chips here and there

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chips here and there" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is scattered or distributed in various places, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "As I cleaned the kitchen, I found chips here and there, remnants of last night's party."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Bring foods that don't spoil easily, such as apples, canned foods like soup, ramen noodles, bread, juice, a few bags of chips here and there etc. Nothing that spoils easily.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

At the Murray Hill Building, the little portraits in stone — dirty, covered in dun-colored paint and chipped here and there — have somehow survived.

The New York Times

After that it's more measuring and photographing and then they start chipping away at the clay, taking off a bit here and there.

The Guardian - Sport

It's not easy to break into, but you just chip away here and there".

Independent

"I always thought I would chip in here and there," Asham said.

The New York Times - Sports

As in all hand axes, the refinement process is clearly visible, with depressions from pieces being chipped away here and there.

The New York Times

Wayne Rooney was involved in all four goals, roaming free, opening up the Bulgarians with a delightful chip here and an incisive pass there and with movement that was far and away the class performance of the night.

The New York Times - Sports

"Maybe we'll be a checking line that chips in for a goal here and there," Madden said, straight-faced.

The New York Times - Sports

I learned a lot from them, I think I've chipped in a few lyrics here and there, and said, "Good take," once or twice.

Huffington Post

That's left LeBron with only five other players able to really play major minutes, and a couple veterans who can chip in a few minutes here and there.

Huffington Post

After two and a half weeks of shadowboxing, chipping away a few seconds advantage here and there, Vincenzo Nibali landed what looked to be the decisive blow in the 2013 Giro d'Italia in the 20.6km mountain time trial from Mori to Polsa, on the eastern side of Lake Garda, when he took his first stage win as Cadel Evans and Rigoberto Urán faltered.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chips here and there" when you want to convey a sense of scattered, infrequent occurrences or small quantities in various locations. It works well in informal contexts or when describing minor imperfections or additions.

Common error

While "chips here and there" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional language to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chips here and there" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the manner or extent to which something is distributed or occurs. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chips here and there" is a versatile phrase used to describe scattered or intermittent occurrences. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is valid and usable in written English. It's most common in News & Media contexts and suitable for informal to neutral registers. Related phrases such as "bits and pieces scattered around" offer similar meanings, making it easy to adapt your language to fit the context. Avoid using it in highly formal writing to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bits and pieces scattered around

Replaces "chips" with a more general term for small items and emphasizes the scattered nature.

stray specks here and there

Highlights the small size and random placement of scattered elements.

scattered fragments hither and yon

Uses more literary language to describe scattered pieces and their distribution.

flecks distributed unevenly

Specifically indicates small particles and their irregular distribution.

sporadic occurrences now and then

Shifts the focus to the frequency and randomness of events rather than physical objects.

remnants dispersed randomly

Focuses on the idea of leftover pieces spread out without a pattern.

occasional sprinkles in different spots

Emphasizes the light and sparse distribution, suitable for less dense scattering.

oddments strewn about

Uses a less common word for scattered items, suggesting a disorganized arrangement.

dotted around intermittently

Focuses on the visual aspect of being dotted or spotted in various places at irregular intervals.

particles sprinkled haphazardly

Emphasizes the chance and lack of planning in the distribution of tiny bits.

FAQs

How can I use "chips here and there" in a sentence?

You can use "chips here and there" to describe something that is scattered or distributed in various places. For example: "As I cleaned the kitchen, I found chips here and there, remnants of last night's party."

What are some alternatives to "chips here and there"?

You can use alternatives like "bits and pieces scattered around", "sporadic occurrences now and then", or "stray specks here and there" depending on the context.

Is "chips here and there" suitable for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "chips here and there" is more suited for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider more precise alternatives.

What does "chips here and there" exactly imply?

It implies that something is present in small quantities and is spread out or located randomly in different places, rather than being concentrated in one area.