dispersed across

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dispersed across" is correct and commonly used in written English.
This phrase typically means to distribute over a wide area or period of time. For example, you could say "The books were dispersed across the library, so patrons had to search for them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nested clade analysis indicated H5N1 was widely dispersed across southern China by both limited dispersal and long distance colonization.

Plosone

The rest are dispersed across the globe.

The New York Times - Style

The weapons facilities are dispersed across dozens of sites.

The New Yorker

Mentions of that word, "ready," are dispersed across "Looking".

The New Yorker

Even its top management team is dispersed across the globe.

Harvard Business Review

Its members should be widely dispersed across the enterprise.

Harvard Business Review

The people who had mastered farming dispersed across the landscape.

Yale University

Other rent-seeking groups are dispersed across the political spectrum.

The New York Times

But in reality responsibility is widely dispersed across Whitehall.

The Economist

Others dispersed across the country, some to Bradford and Birmingham, where communities still exist.

The Guardian

The downside of our geographic freedom is that our families have been dispersed across the land.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dispersed across" to describe elements that are not only scattered but also somewhat separated or spread out over a defined area. Consider the visual imagery it evokes when choosing this phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "dispersed across" when you mean the opposite, such as elements being concentrated in a specific area. "Dispersed across" implies a spreading out, not a clumping together.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dispersed across" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun. It indicates how something is spread out or distributed over a specific area or group. This is validated by Ludwig, confirming its standard grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

22%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dispersed across" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe how something is spread out or distributed over an area or among a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct, and it enjoys frequent usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While alternatives like "scattered throughout" or "spread across" exist, "dispersed across" suggests a more deliberate or extensive spreading. Remember to use it when you truly mean a scattering and not a concentration. With its broad applicability and clear meaning, "dispersed across" is a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scattered throughout

Focuses on random distribution within a defined space.

spread across

Suggests a more even or uniform distribution over an area.

distributed among

Highlights the allocation to different recipients or locations.

strewn across

Emphasizes a haphazard or random scattering.

diffused throughout

Implies a gradual spreading or permeation.

dotted around

Suggests small, distinct instances scattered in an area.

permeated through

Emphasizes penetration and thorough distribution.

circulated among

Focuses on movement and distribution within a group.

propagated through

Implies a spreading or multiplication across an area.

dissipated within

Suggests a weakening and spreading out within a defined boundary.

FAQs

How can I use "dispersed across" in a sentence?

You can use "dispersed across" to describe how something is spread out over an area. For example, "The protesters were "dispersed across" the city streets".

What are some alternatives to "dispersed across"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "scattered throughout", "spread across", or "distributed among".

Is it more appropriate to say "dispersed across" or "scattered across"?

"Dispersed across" and "scattered across" are quite similar, but "dispersed across" may suggest a more intentional or systematic spreading, while "scattered across" implies a more random arrangement.

Can "dispersed across" be used to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "dispersed across" can describe abstract concepts. For example, "Responsibilities were "dispersed across" various departments".