dispersed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dispersed by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of something being spread or distributed by a particular agent or force. Example: "The seeds were dispersed by the wind across the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The group was dispersed by 10 p.m.

The New York Times

They were dispersed by rifle-swinging troops.

The New York Times

They were dispersed by riot police officers.

The New York Times

They were beaten and dispersed by soldiers and riot police.

The New Yorker

Subsequently, the crowd was dispersed by firing projectiles.

The Guardian

Reaction heat is efficiently dispersed by the aqueous medium.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They were dispersed by officers using rubber bullets.

The New York Times

The oppressive humidity has dispersed by the time we arrive at the Driftwood Motel.

The Guardian - Travel

Much of the PCB's that entered the river are believed to have dispersed by now.

The New York Times

20 or so youths dispersed by police – one brick thrown, no injuries".

The Guardian

The next morning, when the prisoners' relatives tried to demonstrate again, they were dispersed by soldiers.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing how a crowd was broken up by authorities, use "dispersed by" to indicate a controlled dissolution rather than a chaotic scattering.

Common error

Avoid using "dispersed among" when you mean "dispersed by". "Dispersed among" implies scattering within a group, while "dispersed by" indicates an external force causing the spreading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dispersed by" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (e.g., crowd, seeds) undergoes an action (being dispersed) caused by an external agent or force. Ludwig examples showcase its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

41%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dispersed by" is a versatile passive construction used to describe how something is spread or scattered due to an external influence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across diverse domains like news, science, and encyclopedias. Common usage involves describing how crowds are broken up by authorities or how seeds are spread in nature. While often interchangeable with "scattered by" and "spread by", "dispersed by" can imply a more controlled action. Avoiding confusion with "dispersed among" is crucial for clarity. Examples show the phrase's register to be mostly neutral and formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scattered by

Indicates a less organized or controlled spreading compared to "dispersed by".

spread by

Focuses on the extent of coverage rather than the method of distribution.

distributed by

Emphasizes a deliberate or systematic allocation.

carried by

Highlights the means of conveyance more than the final distribution.

dissipated by

Implies a gradual disappearance or fading away due to an external influence.

driven by

Suggests a forceful impetus behind the movement or scattering.

transmitted by

Specifically refers to the conveyance of something, such as information or disease.

broadcast by

Implies a wide and public dissemination, often through media.

propagated by

Refers to the reproduction or spreading of something, often biological.

circulated by

Indicates movement within a defined system or area.

FAQs

How do I use "dispersed by" in a sentence?

Use "dispersed by" to indicate that something is scattered or spread out due to an external force or agent. For example, "The crowd was "dispersed by" the police" or "The seeds are "dispersed by" the wind".

What are some alternatives to "dispersed by"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "scattered by", "spread by", "distributed by", or "carried by". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Dispersed by" often implies a more deliberate or controlled action of spreading, while "scattered by" suggests a more random or haphazard spreading. However, they are often interchangeable.

Is it correct to say "the crowd was dispersed by tear gas"?

Yes, "the crowd was "dispersed by" tear gas" is a grammatically correct and commonly used sentence. It means the tear gas caused the crowd to scatter and move away.