dotted around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dotted around" is correct and usable in written English.
Use it when you want to express the idea of something being scattered or spread throughout a particular area. For example: "There were wildflowers dotted around the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Other large houses dotted around Peshawar tell the same story.

The Guardian

Vestiges of the festival remain dotted around Kasserine as a reminder of a more hopeful time.

The Guardian

Blue skies above the Britannia with white clouds dotted around.

BBC

"You've got these old bits of concrete dotted around on the shore.

BBC

There were start-ups dotted around, but not clustered in large numbers.

TechCrunch

There are bowls with condoms in them dotted around everywhere.

Vice

They are then dotted around the lake".

The Guardian

Some of his photographs were dotted around.

The New York Times

It has distribution centres dotted around Europe.

The Economist

Media reports describe similar ghost towns dotted around China.

The New York Times

The holiday resorts are dotted around the 200km shoreline.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dotted around" to create a visual image of items or features spread across an area, helping the reader visualize the scene or landscape you are describing. For example: "Quaint cafes were dotted around the town square."

Common error

While "dotted around" is widely accepted, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing, where more precise or sophisticated vocabulary may be preferred. In such cases, consider alternatives like "distributed across" or "scattered throughout".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dotted around" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a predicate to describe the distribution of objects or features within a specific area. Ludwig AI validates this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dotted around" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase to describe the distribution of items or features within a space. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent use in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it can be replaced with more formal alternatives like "distributed across" in certain professional settings. Use "dotted around" to paint a clear picture of spatial arrangement, remembering to avoid overuse in overly formal writing. With numerous examples provided, Ludwig serves as a valuable resource for understanding and applying this descriptive phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scattered throughout

Emphasizes a more random and less organized distribution compared to "dotted around".

dispersed across

Implies a wider and potentially less dense distribution over an area.

strewn about

Suggests a haphazard or scattered arrangement, often implying disorder.

distributed among

Indicates a more even or deliberate allocation across a space.

sprinkled around

Suggests a light and sparse distribution, like small particles.

peppered across

Implies a small, frequent distribution, similar to pepper grains.

littered about

Carries a negative connotation, implying untidiness and unwanted scattering.

placed sporadically

Highlights the irregular and infrequent positioning of items.

speckled across

Suggests a pattern of small spots or marks scattered on a surface.

stationed at intervals

Emphasizes a deliberate and spaced arrangement, often for functional purposes.

FAQs

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

You can use "dotted around" to describe objects or features that are scattered or distributed in a particular area. For example, "Small villages were dotted around the countryside."

What are some alternatives to "dotted around"?

Some alternatives to "dotted around" include "scattered throughout", "dispersed across", or "sprinkled around", depending on the context.

Is "dotted around" formal or informal?

"Dotted around" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. In highly formal contexts, consider using more precise alternatives.

What's the difference between "dotted around" and "scattered around"?

While both phrases convey the idea of things being spread across an area, "dotted around" often suggests a more sparse or visually distinct arrangement, whereas "scattered around" can imply a more random and less organized distribution.