interspersed with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "interspersed with" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe when something is scattered throughout or mixed in with something else. For example, you could say "The article was interspersed with anecdotes about the author's childhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Worldly thoughts interspersed with the religious.

The New Yorker

The story is interspersed with songs.

The New Yorker

The proceedings were interspersed with music.

The New Yorker

In one, moss is interspersed with wildflowers.

The New York Times

Scenes of bucolic calm are interspersed with brutality and violence.

The Guardian - Film

These events will be interspersed with those of other competitors.

The New York Times

Clever spot illustrations are interspersed with full-page scenes.

The New York Times - Books

We follow the trial, which is interspersed with flashbacks.

The New York Times - Books

Those will be interspersed with performances along the banks.

The New York Times

Mr. Ptah's prose is interspersed with his rap compositions.

The New York Times - Books

Stand!" This was interspersed with the usual "Irhal!" – depart.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "interspersed with", ensure that the elements being interspersed are distinct and recognizable within the larger context. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "interspersed with" when the elements are completely homogeneous or indistinguishable. The phrase implies a deliberate mixing of different components, not a uniform distribution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "interspersed with" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb by indicating that something is scattered or mixed among other things. Ludwig AI confirms its common use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "interspersed with" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe the presence of scattered or mixed elements within a broader context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse fields, including news, science, and encyclopedias. Remember to use it when you want to highlight the distribution of distinct components, and be mindful of avoiding its use when elements are homogeneous. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scattered among

Focuses on the distribution of elements rather than the mixing.

mixed in with

Emphasizes the blending or combining of elements.

intermingled with

Highlights the close interaction and blending of elements.

dotted with

Highlights the presence of small, distinct elements scattered across a surface.

strewn with

Implies a more random or scattered distribution.

punctuated by

Suggests elements that stand out and break up the monotony.

distributed throughout

Emphasizes the even spread of elements within something.

infused with

Suggests a more thorough permeation or blending.

laced with

Implies a subtle addition or presence of an element.

embedded in

Highlights the integration of elements within a matrix or structure.

FAQs

How can I use "interspersed with" in a sentence?

Use "interspersed with" to describe something that has elements scattered or mixed throughout it. For example, "The lecture was interspersed with humorous anecdotes."

What can I say instead of "interspersed with"?

You can use alternatives like "scattered among", "mixed in with", or "dotted with" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'interspersed by' instead of "interspersed with"?

While technically understandable, "interspersed with" is the more common and grammatically preferred phrasing. "Interspersed by" is less frequently used and might sound awkward to some readers.

What's the difference between "interspersed with" and "interwoven with"?

"Interspersed with" implies a scattering or mixing of elements, while "interwoven with" suggests a more complex and integrated blending, like threads in a fabric. "Interwoven with" suggests a deeper connection than simply being scattered.