scattered across

USAGE SUMMARY

"scattered across" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that is spread out over a large area. For example, "The ruins of the ancient city were scattered across the desert landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pieces were scattered across half a mile.

The New York Times

They were scattered across the country.

The New York Times - Sports

Paper shrapnel was scattered across the floor.

The New York Times

Other viewers have scattered across the dial.

The New York Times

Nearly 200,000 oil wells scattered across Tex.

The New Yorker

They are scattered across the Islamic world.

The Guardian - Opinion

Shattered glass was scattered across the pavement.

The Guardian

His siblings are scattered across the globe.

The New York Times - Books

The batteries scattered across the floor.

The New York Times

Litter is scattered across the ground.

The Guardian

Create a center to coordinate imaging facilities scattered across campus.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scattered across" to vividly describe elements spread across a specific area, enhancing the reader's understanding of spatial distribution. For example: "The debris was scattered across the battlefield."

Common error

Avoid using "scattered across" when describing abstract concepts that don't involve physical space. For example, instead of saying "Responsibilities were scattered across departments", consider "Responsibilities were distributed among departments."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scattered across" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes how entities or objects are distributed spatially. Ludwig AI affirms this through its examples demonstrating its widespread usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "scattered across" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that describes the spatial distribution of items or entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across a wide range of contexts, including news, academic writing, and scientific publications. While generally neutral in register, it's best to avoid overusing it in abstract contexts where physical distribution isn't implied. Consider alternatives like "dispersed throughout" or "spread over" for conveying subtle differences in distribution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dispersed throughout

Implies a less random and more controlled distribution within something.

spread over

Suggests a more even distribution across a surface.

distributed among

Focuses on allocating items to different recipients within a group or area.

strewn around

Implies a more haphazard or careless scattering.

dotted throughout

Suggests small, distinct points scattered within a larger space.

littered across

Implies unwanted or unsightly items are scattered.

sprinkled amongst

Suggests a light and sparse scattering.

propagated throughout

Focuses on the spread or transmission of something, such as information or disease.

populated across

Highlights the settlement of living beings in different areas of some place.

stationed around

Suggests a more organized placement of items or people in specific locations.

FAQs

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

You can use "scattered across" to describe items or entities that are distributed over an area. For example, "The books were scattered across the floor", or "The islands are scattered across the ocean".

What phrases are similar to "scattered across"?

Alternatives include "dispersed throughout", "spread over", or "distributed among", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "scattered across" or "spread across"?

Both "scattered across" and "spread across" are correct, but they suggest different distributions. "Scattered across" implies a more random distribution, while "spread across" suggests a more even distribution.

What's the difference between "scattered across" and "strewn across"?

"Scattered across" implies a general distribution over an area, while "strewn around" often suggests a more haphazard or messy distribution, implying that something has been strewn carelessly.