scatter

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'scatter' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a verb to mean to spread something randomly or in an irregular way, or as a noun to refer to something that has been scattered. Example sentence: The wind scattered the leaves all over the lawn.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fry your bacon on a high heat until super-crispy, smash it into pieces and scatter on top for extra salty deliciousness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Their pale seedheads scatter, filling the air with nose-tickling dust.

The Guardian

You could get right up close to the players, but you had to scatter on the rare occasion a fielder would chase a ball all the way to the rope and its wall of kids.

The Guardian - Sport

As I tried to explore the thought processes of Aphex Twin's Richard D James (a daunting task in itself), I became sidetracked by a much wider issue, which involves a growing scatter of artists who are exploring the outer limits of the internet for inspiration, adventure, anonymity and rebellion, in search of a truer and uncensored reflection of the society we live in.

The Guardian - Music

Make discs of melted chocolate on the paper and scatter each one with chopped pistachios, sugared almonds, sea salt flakes and rose petals or candied peel.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Remove from the heat, anoint with fresh lemon juice and scatter with fresh pepper.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We are lurching along the loch when the 25 seagulls hanging above our boat suddenly scatter.

The Guardian

200g white chocolate, broken into small chunks 1 Set the oven to 160C/325F/gas mark 3. Scatter the chocolate chunks on a nonstick baking sheet in the oven.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mix in half the milk, then scatter over the rest of the flour and mix in the remaining milk.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Arrange the lettuce on a dish and scatter the avocado, watercress, eggs, tomatoes and pancetta over it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

4 Pour in the stock and cornflour paste and cook for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken, then add the sherry, vinegar and sugar and simmer together for a few minutes to allow the flavours to meld. 5 Pour the sauce over the aubergines and scatter with the spring onions and coriander.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scatter" to describe abstract concepts like hopes or plans, ensure the context clearly indicates frustration or overthrow.

Common error

Avoid using "scatter" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise terms like "distribute" or "disseminate" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "scatter" is as a verb, indicating the action of dispersing or distributing something in a non-uniform manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

19%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scatter" is a verb used to describe the act of dispersing or distributing something loosely. As Ludwig AI highlights, the term is grammatically sound and widely applicable. Its usage spans across various contexts, from describing physical actions to abstract concepts. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider more formal alternatives like "disseminate" in technical writing. The most common contexts include news, business, and scientific publications, with authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist frequently employing the term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disperse

Focuses on the act of spreading out, often implying a wider distribution than "scatter".

spread out

Emphasizes the spatial arrangement of something over a larger area.

distribute

Implies a more deliberate or organized way of spreading something.

sprinkle

Suggests a light and random distribution, often of small particles.

broadcast

Implies a widespread dissemination, particularly in the context of information or seeds.

strew

Suggests a careless or random scattering.

dissipate

Implies a gradual disappearance as something spreads out.

diffuse

Suggests a gradual intermingling as something spreads.

fan out

Implies spreading in a radiating pattern.

fling

Suggests a forceful throwing action to scatter something.

FAQs

How can I use "scatter" in a sentence?

You can use "scatter" to describe the action of spreading things loosely, like "The wind scattered the leaves". It can also describe people dispersing, like "The crowd scattered when the alarm went off".

What can I say instead of "scatter"?

You can use alternatives like "disperse", "spread out", or "distribute" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "scattered hopes"?

Yes, it is correct. "Scatter" can be used to describe the frustration or overthrow of hopes or plans. This usage implies that the hopes or plans have been disrupted and are no longer cohesive.

What's the difference between "scatter" and "sprinkle"?

"Scatter" implies a more general and potentially wider distribution, while "sprinkle" often suggests a lighter, more delicate distribution, typically of small particles.