dispersed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dispersed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been spread out or distributed over a wide area or among a group of people. Example: "The seeds were dispersed by the wind, allowing them to grow in various locations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most of it is still in a position to kill and besmirch things; but it is also subject to further evaporation and dispersal.Of the oil that dispersed, two-thirds did so naturally, a third did so as a result of the use of chemicals designed to aid the process.

The Economist

People dispersed in the lead-up to the 10pm curfew, instituted on Tuesday by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

The Guardian

The intersection had the location of much of the looting that occurred on Monday and where on Wedneday protesters were dispersed with teargas.

The Guardian

Hong Kong's former security chief Regina Ip said on Monday that the city government fears a "mini-Tiananmen" – presumably that the protests would be violently dispersed, perhaps by the Chinese military.

The Guardian

So we support the World Cup being dispersed around the world, as the name suggests".

The Guardian - Sport

"Logically, the population in Congo are so dispersed; therefore it makes it difficult for a force that is so thin on the ground to kill that number of people," said Ugandan army spokesman Felix Kulaigye.

The Guardian

3 Work the fried onion into the dough until well dispersed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I know that if I hadn't done that, my manager would have dispersed my lab and my equipment, and absorbed it into the greater group.

The Guardian

We return to Leman Street four years after the end of the last series, and the main players have dispersed.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Nor – who also asked for her real name not to be published, to protect relatives still in Syria – became involved after an unarmed demonstration near her shop was dispersed by government forces who shot and killed dozens of protestors.

The Guardian

Sometimes they were interesting, sometimes less so, but they were no more than "events" that arose in the mind and then dispersed again.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dispersed", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being spread or scattered and the manner in which it's happening. For instance, specify whether it's being dispersed naturally, intentionally, or forcibly.

Common error

A common error is using a singular verb with "dispersed" when it describes multiple entities or a plural subject. Always ensure the verb agrees in number with the subject; for example, "The crowds were dispersed" (correct) versus "The crowds was dispersed" (incorrect).

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "dispersed" is as a past participle, often used in passive voice constructions. It describes a state or action where something has been spread or scattered, evidenced by Ludwig's examples of crowds being dispersed or resources being dispersed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dispersed" is a versatile term commonly used as a past participle to describe something that has been scattered or spread out. Ludwig AI highlights its prevalence in various contexts, primarily within News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific writing. While grammatically sound, ensuring subject-verb agreement is crucial. Alternative terms like "scattered", "spread out", or "diffused" offer subtle variations in meaning, enriching expression depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. Considering these factors ensures accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scattered

Focuses on the act of throwing things around randomly.

spread out

Emphasizes the spatial distribution over an area.

dissipated

Implies a gradual disappearance or fading away.

broadcast

Highlights a wide distribution of information.

diffused

Suggests a gentle spreading or permeation.

strewn

Implies covering a surface by scattering something on it.

sprinkled

Focuses on light and sparse distribution.

circulated

Denotes movement and dissemination within a system.

propagated

Highlights growth and expansion through distribution.

dissolved

Suggests disappearing into a liquid or solution.

FAQs

How is "dispersed" typically used in a sentence?

"Dispersed" is often used to describe something that has been scattered or spread out over an area. Examples include: "The crowd was "dispersed" by the police" or "The seeds were "dispersed" by the wind".

What are some alternatives to using "dispersed"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "scattered", "spread out", "dissipated", or "diffused" as alternatives to "dispersed".

Is it correct to say "dispersed among" or "dispersed between"?

It's generally more appropriate to use "dispersed among" when referring to distribution within a group or area, and "dispersed between" when referring to distribution among two specific entities. For example: "The refugees were "dispersed among" several camps". "The risk was "dispersed between" two companies".

What's the difference between "dispersed" and "scattered"?

While both words imply spreading out, "dispersed" often suggests a more controlled or intentional action, whereas "scattered" can imply a more random or haphazard distribution. For example, police "dispersed" the crowd implies a deliberate action, while leaves scattered by the wind suggests a random event.