distributed over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distributed over" is correct and can be used in written English.
Generally, it is used to indicate an even, widespread distribution of something, with an emphasis on the whole area or group of people or things it is being distributed to. For example: "The books were distributed over all the classrooms."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Internet access can also be distributed over existing electrical wiring.

The New York Times

There are five entrances well distributed over the shelter.

The Guardian - Books

Is it because it is distributed over the whole body?

Encyclopedia Britannica

The aid is to be distributed over three years.

The New York Times

Tibetans are distributed over the entire Qinghai-Tibetan highland region.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These stations are evenly distributed over Greece.

Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Part B: Hydrology, Oceans and Atmosphere

The CIs distributed over three ranges for global weights.

Health Economics Review

Sensors and sinks are distributed over a square region.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Eight turbo decoding iterations are distributed over four outer iterations.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The QDs were randomly distributed over the QD layer.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Coal reserve is widely distributed over the world.

Journal of Economic Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distributed over" to describe an even spread or allocation of something across an area or group, ensuring clarity and emphasizing the extent of the distribution.

Common error

Avoid using "distributed over" when the distribution is uneven, concentrated, or localized. Instead, opt for phrases like "concentrated in" or "localized at" to accurately reflect the specific distribution pattern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distributed over" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb. It indicates how something is spread, allocated, or dispersed across an area, group, or period of time. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

73%

News & Media

13%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distributed over" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe how something is spread or allocated across an area, group, or period. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely used. It frequently appears in scientific and news contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While alternatives like "spread across" and "scattered throughout" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to use "distributed over" when describing an even or widespread allocation, and avoid it when the distribution is concentrated or localized.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spread across

Focuses on the act of spreading in a more general sense, lacking the implication of planning inherent in "distributed".

scattered throughout

Suggests a less even distribution, implying randomness rather than intention.

dispersed among

Emphasizes the act of scattering among individual items or entities rather than a continuous area.

allocated across

Highlights the assignment or apportionment aspect rather than the spatial arrangement.

shared between

Implies a division of something among two or more entities, often equally.

partitioned among

Suggests a more structured and deliberate division than a simple spreading.

arranged throughout

Focuses on the placement and order of elements, implying a deliberate design.

circulated within

Highlights the movement or flow of something within a defined space or group.

present throughout

Emphasizes the existence of something in all parts of a given area or group.

permeated within

Suggests a deep penetration or influence throughout something.

FAQs

How can I use "distributed over" in a sentence?

The phrase "distributed over" indicates that something is spread or allocated across an area or group. For example, "The aid is to be "distributed over" three years."

What are some alternatives to saying "distributed over"?

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

Is it correct to say "distributed on" instead of "distributed over"?

While "distributed on" can be used in certain contexts (e.g., "distributed on a surface"), "distributed over" is generally preferred when indicating a wider spread or allocation across an area or a period of time.

What is the difference between "distributed over" and "scattered over"?

"Distributed over" implies a more even and potentially intentional spreading, while "scattered over" suggests a more random and less uniform distribution.