dotted across

USAGE SUMMARY

"dotted across" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe when something is scattered or distributed over a wide area. For example, "The houses dotted across the hills provided an amazing view."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The picnic sites are dotted across the country.

The New York Times

Fit and high-skilled human beings dotted across both posses.

The Guardian - Sport

He still has five children, dotted across the Americas.

The New York Times

Some are self-contained campuses, whilst others are dotted across sprawling metropolises.

Independent

Photos of Kardashian with blood dotted across her face made international headlines.

Independent

Umoja's first members all came from the isolated Samburu villages dotted across the Rift valley.

The Guardian

Such is the popularity of samba, there are more than 300 schools dotted across the UK.

The Guardian

– The House of Silk Statues lined the stairs and stood, dotted across the roof.

The Guardian

Dotted across the country is industrial land with nothing on it.

The Guardian

The country's banking system is fragmented, with more branches than restaurants dotted across its high streets.

The Guardian

Dotted across her legs were areas that were an angry-looking red.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dotted across" to vividly describe landscapes, maps, or any scenario where elements are sparsely and irregularly distributed, creating a sense of openness or vastness.

Common error

While "dotted across" is acceptable in many contexts, it can sometimes sound too informal or whimsical for very formal or technical writing. Consider more precise alternatives like "distributed across" or "scattered throughout" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dotted across" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a predicate to describe the spatial distribution of objects or features. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in English. For example, Ludwig provides contexts where “houses” and “villages” are “dotted across” landscapes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dotted across" is a versatile and common expression used to describe a scattered distribution of items over a space. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academia, it provides a visual image of sparse and distinct elements. While acceptable in most situations, be mindful of using more formal alternatives like "distributed across" in highly formal settings. Its vivid descriptive quality makes it a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scattered throughout

This alternative emphasizes the random distribution of items within a defined space.

dispersed across

This suggests a deliberate or natural spreading out of elements.

spread across

This denotes a wider, less concentrated distribution over a surface.

strewn across

This emphasizes a somewhat random and scattered arrangement.

distributed throughout

This highlights a planned or even allocation across a region.

sprinkled across

This implies a light and sparse scattering.

littered across

This suggests a messy or disorganized scattering.

peppered across

This indicates a dense and even distribution, like pepper.

stippled across

This conveys a pattern of small dots covering an area.

interspersed throughout

This implies items are placed at intervals within something else.

FAQs

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

The phrase "dotted across" describes a scattered or sparse distribution of items over an area. For example, "Small villages were "dotted across" the landscape".

What's a good alternative to "dotted across"?

Alternatives to "dotted across" include "scattered throughout", "dispersed across", or "spread across", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "dotted across" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "dotted across" may be perceived as informal in some contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "distributed across" for a more professional tone.

What does "dotted across" emphasize in a description?

"Dotted across" often emphasizes the visual image of small, distinct elements scattered over a larger area, creating a sense of openness and space, as opposed to a dense or uniform distribution.