dispersal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dispersal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the act of spreading or distributing something over a wide area, often in contexts related to ecology, population dynamics, or distribution of substances. Example: "The dispersal of seeds by the wind is crucial for the growth of new plants in the ecosystem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A report to the committee said: "Casinos are usually very well managed and the dispersal of customers tends to be more widely spread, resulting in less noise and disturbance".

The Guardian

However, Brighton & Hove is hemmed in on one side by the sea and on the other by a national park, making dispersal solutions untenable.

The Guardian - Money

Many of the government offices that exist in the north of England and Scotland were products of the dispersal policy he supported during the 1960s and 70s.

The Guardian

So too must elected members of parliament in Greater Manchester constituencies, embracing the dispersal of power to the city region, not resisting it.

The Guardian

However, the violent dispersal of opposition protests makes a rapprochement with the west unlikely.

The Guardian

With a bit of searching, I discover that the year before he opened his museum, he'd picked up the wolf and some other interesting specimens from the dispersal of another natural history collection.

The Guardian

Here, slow technological dispersal may not be just the result of a time lag.

The Economist

Although schools that take in dispersed asylum-seekers and refugees are entitled to up to £500 a pupil for extra language lessons, dispersal does not guarantee a place.All the children of asylum-seekers are entitled to free school meals.

The Economist

A series of measures, starting with the Distribution of Industry Act 1945, aimed to prevent industrial growth in the "Congested Areas" – essentially the booming cities of London and Birmingham – instead encouraging the dispersal of industry to the economically stagnant "Development Areas" in the north and west.

The Economist

The absence of bestseller lists and library borrowing statistics, as well as the dispersal of the market over 22 countries, make it difficult to rank recent books according to popular or critical acclaim.

The Economist

Fuel burns less efficiently at high altitude, and thermal inversions mean that the surrounding mountains trap a layer of cold air above the city, preventing the dispersal of fumes.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about ecological processes, use "dispersal" to specifically describe the movement of organisms or their propagules away from their point of origin. This ensures clarity and precision in scientific contexts.

Common error

Avoid confusing "dispersal" with "disposal". "Dispersal" refers to spreading or scattering, while "disposal" means getting rid of something. Using the wrong word can significantly alter your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "dispersal" is as a noun. It refers to the act of dispersing or the state of being dispersed. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various contexts, such as the dispersal of seeds, populations, or even government offices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Dispersal" is a noun referring to the act or result of spreading or scattering, as validated by Ludwig. Its usage spans various contexts from ecology to economics, appearing frequently in news, science, and formal business domains. The phrase follows standard grammar rules and is considered correct. While synonyms like "scattering" and "diffusion" exist, "dispersal" maintains a distinct, often more formal, connotation. As per Ludwig, it's important to differentiate it from words like "disposal" to avoid confusion. Overall, "dispersal" is a versatile and frequently used term with a clear and consistent meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scattering

Focuses on the random distribution of elements.

diffusion

Implies a gradual spreading out from a central point.

distribution

Suggests a planned or organized arrangement across an area.

propagation

Highlights the act of something spreading or increasing.

dissemination

Emphasizes the widespread sharing of information or ideas.

radiation

Suggests spreading outwards from a central source, often in all directions.

scattering process

Focuses on a method for dispersing an agent over an area.

spread

A general term for extending over an area or among people.

circulation

Refers to the movement or distribution of something within a system.

partitioning

Implies dividing and distributing something into different parts.

FAQs

How is "dispersal" used in ecological contexts?

In ecology, "dispersal" refers to the movement of individual organisms or their seeds, spores, or larvae away from their birth site or existing population. This process is crucial for gene flow, colonization of new habitats, and avoidance of competition.

What are some synonyms for "dispersal"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "scattering", "diffusion", "distribution", or "spread" as alternatives to "dispersal".

How does "dispersal" relate to species distribution?

"Dispersal" is a key factor influencing species distribution. A species' ability to disperse to new areas determines its range and its ability to colonize suitable habitats. Barriers to dispersal can limit a species' distribution.

What factors affect "dispersal"?

Factors affecting "dispersal" include the organism's mode of locomotion, environmental conditions (such as wind and water currents), and the presence of physical barriers (such as mountains or oceans). Human activities, such as habitat fragmentation, can also impact dispersal patterns.