scattered among

USAGE SUMMARY

'scattered among' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'scattered among' when something is distributed among multiple places, people, or things. For example, "The food was scattered among the tables of the buffet line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They are now scattered among five courthouses.

The New York Times

Her orphaned children are now scattered among different homes.

The Guardian

There were a few also-rans scattered among these successes.

The New York Times

The hopeful contestants are scattered among the audience.

The Guardian - Books

Bricks were scattered among millions of pieces of faience.

The New Yorker

The relevant mutations are still scattered among different strains.

The Economist

They had been scattered among six sites in the Chicago area.

The New York Times

There are five bathrooms, scattered among the 4,000-square-foot 4,000-square-foot 4,000-square-foot

The New York Times

The words of famous writers and thinkers are scattered among the displays.

The New Yorker

Eleven men pose for the camera, a few pieces of camera equipment scattered among them.

The New York Times

Green plastic ties that can be used as handcuffs were scattered among the remains.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scattered among" when you want to emphasize a non-uniform or somewhat random distribution of items within a defined group or space. It's particularly effective when describing physical arrangements or abstract concepts that lack a strict order.

Common error

Avoid using "scattered among" when you are describing a uniform or even distribution. Alternatives like "distributed evenly" or "spread throughout" are more appropriate in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scattered among" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a verb or noun, indicating the manner in which something is distributed within a group or area. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Scattered among" is a prepositional phrase used to describe a non-uniform distribution of items within a group or area. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically correct and widely applicable. It appears most frequently in news and media, but also in scientific and encyclopedia contexts. Related phrases include "distributed within" and "dispersed throughout", offering subtle variations in meaning. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a somewhat random or uneven arrangement, avoiding its use for uniform distributions. The phrase is frequently employed in neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distributed within

A more formal and structured way of saying "scattered among", implying a deliberate action.

redistributed among

Focuses on the act of re-apportioning items within a group, implying a previous distribution.

interspersed within

Implies that the items are placed at intervals within the group.

strewn among

Implies a less organized or random distribution compared to "scattered".

dispersed throughout

Suggests a wider distribution across an area rather than specifically among items.

spread amidst

Suggests a gradual or expansive distribution, often used in more descriptive or literary contexts.

peppered throughout

Suggests a light and even distribution, often used metaphorically.

located throughout

Focuses on the placement or existence of items in different locations within a defined area.

dotted across

Implies a sparse and uneven distribution over a surface.

assorted within

Implies a mix of different items are placed inside something.

FAQs

How do I use "scattered among" in a sentence?

Use "scattered among" to describe items or people distributed in a non-uniform manner within a specific group or area. For example, "The toys were scattered among the children" or "The houses were scattered among the hills".

What are some alternatives to "scattered among"?

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

Is it correct to say "scattered between" instead of "scattered among"?

"Scattered between" is used when distributing items between two distinct entities or locations. "Scattered among" is used when distributing items within a group of three or more.

What's the difference between "scattered among" and "mixed with"?

"Scattered among" implies a distribution across multiple entities, while "mixed with" suggests a blending or combining of elements. The phrase "scattered among" focuses on the spatial arrangement or distribution, unlike "mixed with" that is about the combination.