scatter into

USAGE SUMMARY

"scatter into" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is quickly spreading or breaking apart into many small pieces. For example, "The crowd scattered into small groups, all running in different directions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Disoriented drinkers scatter into the dark streets.

The Guardian

We show up and they scatter into the woods".

The New York Times

At the faintest buzz of a plane, people scatter into the bush, in a panic.

The New York Times

When the performers break into action they scatter into independent beach activities.

The New York Times - Arts

Anderson assumed that consumers, once freed from the limitations of brick-and-mortar retail, would scatter into countless niches.

The New Yorker

Or should he wheel about and order his army to scatter into the hills and continue the war as guerrillas?

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Last year saw the release of another EP and a few self-released songs, but with his recent album, Scattered Into Light, things are gaining proper momentum again.

Vice

This is narrated, though, through many Last yearepresawtheg verelease the sofgs' mechanothernd—of coursEPits title: "Lonely Trip". .

Vice

When each ray enters a scattering material, the path is scattered into multiple and spreading paths.

IPSJ Transactions on Computer Vision and Applications

They scattered into the suburbs of New Jersey, Long Island and Connecticut.

The New York Times

Spectators scattered into the blazing desert sun.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scatter into" to vividly describe a sudden or panicked dispersal. It's particularly effective when illustrating a group or entity breaking apart and moving quickly in multiple directions.

Common error

Avoid using "scatter into" with abstract nouns where 'spread' or 'permeate' would be more appropriate. "Scatter into" implies physical movement or distribution, making it less suitable for intangible concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scatter into" functions as a verb phrase describing the action of dispersing or spreading out, typically implying movement from a central point or group to various locations within a specified area or state. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

21%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scatter into" is a versatile phrase used to describe the action of something dispersing or spreading out, often with an implication of sudden or rapid movement. Ludwig's analysis indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and common across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and wiki articles. The phrase's register is typically neutral, making it suitable for factual reporting and descriptive narratives. While similar phrases like "disperse into" exist, "scatter into" distinctly conveys a more abrupt or chaotic dispersal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disperse into

This alternative conveys a broader sense of spreading out, lacking the inherent implication of rapid, often panicked, movement present in the original phrase.

scatter throughout

Focuses on the distribution across an area, rather than movement into a specific location.

spread into

Implies a gradual expansion or distribution, in contrast to the more abrupt or forceful action conveyed by the original.

diffuse into

Similar to 'spread into' but suggests a more even distribution, often used in scientific contexts.

fan out into

This suggests a more organized and deliberate spreading, like the shape of a fan, which is distinct from the scattered nature of the original phrase.

break up into

Focuses on the act of something dividing into smaller parts before dispersing, whereas the original emphasizes the movement into a specific location or state.

dissipate into

Suggests a vanishing or fading away while spreading, rather than simply moving into an area.

diverge into

Implies a separation into different directions or paths, often from a single point or source.

emanate into

Suggests something originating from a source and then spreading outwards, often with a sense of influence or impact.

segregate into

Highlights the separation into distinct groups or categories, rather than a general scattering.

FAQs

How can I use "scatter into" in a sentence?

Use "scatter into" to describe a group breaking apart and moving in different directions, such as: "The protesters "scattered into" side streets when the police arrived".

What's a good alternative to "scatter into"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "disperse into", "spread into", or "fan out into".

Is there a difference between "scatter into" and "disperse into"?

"Scatter into" often implies a more sudden or panicked movement, while "disperse into" can suggest a more gradual or organized spreading.

Can "scatter into" be used for abstract concepts?

While less common, "scatter into" is typically used for describing the physical movement of entities. For abstract concepts, consider using terms like "permeate" or "diffuse" instead.