scattered all over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scattered all over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is distributed or spread out in various places or locations. Example: "The leaves were scattered all over the ground after the storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Your recycling items are most likely scattered all over your driveway.

Huffington Post

Small meeting rooms are scattered all over.

Independent

The rentals are scattered all over Manhattan.

The New York Times

Body parts were scattered all over".

The New York Times

They scattered all over the world.

The Guardian - Books

"They're scattered all over the place.

The Guardian

They're scattered all over the suburbs".

The Guardian - Money

Rocks and glass scattered all over the place.

The New York Times

There are thirteen Eskimo cooperatives scattered all over the North.

The New Yorker

"The information was scattered all over the government.

The New Yorker

These buildings are scattered all over the city.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scattered all over" to vividly describe a scene or situation where items or entities are distributed randomly or without order. This phrase adds a sense of disarray or extent to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "scattered all over" in highly formal or professional writing where a more precise or neutral term like "distributed throughout" or "located across" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scattered all over" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate location or distribution. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and commonly used expression. The phrase describes the state of being distributed randomly or extensively within a given area.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "scattered all over" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase to describe items or entities distributed randomly or extensively. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is valid in English. While it appears most commonly in news and media, it can also be found in scientific and formal contexts. However, avoid overuse in strictly formal writing. Consider alternatives like "distributed throughout" or "located across" for a more professional tone when necessary. The key is to use "scattered all over" where you want to convey a sense of disarray or wide distribution vividly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spread throughout

Implies a more even and consistent distribution than "scattered all over".

dispersed everywhere

Suggests a more forceful and intentional act of spreading out.

strewn about

Similar to scattered, but can imply a more random or chaotic distribution.

distributed around

Implies a planned or organized placement across an area.

dotted around

Suggests small, distinct points or items spread across an area.

littered across

Implies a negative connotation of untidiness or unwanted items being spread.

broadcasted across

Relates specifically to something being communicated widely.

arranged all over

Denotes intention and systematic approach of distribution of objects.

redistributed all over

Indicates that objects or items have been distributed once more across an area.

circulated all over

Expresses something being in motion throughout an area.

FAQs

How can I use "scattered all over" in a sentence?

You can use "scattered all over" to describe items or entities distributed randomly. For example, "The toys were scattered all over the floor".

What are some alternatives to "scattered all over"?

Alternatives include "spread throughout", "dispersed everywhere", or "strewn about", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "scattered all over" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "scattered all over" might be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "distributed throughout" or "located across" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "scattered all over" and "spread throughout"?

"Scattered all over" implies a more random and less uniform distribution compared to ""spread throughout"", which suggests a more even and consistent distribution.