scattered around

USAGE SUMMARY

"scattered around" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is spread out or not concentrated in one area. For example, "The fallen leaves were scattered around the forest floor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Desirable benches are scattered around, bearing discreet price tags.

Independent

"If your money is scattered around, you can't succeed.

The Guardian

They scattered around the country.

The New York Times - Sports

The relics are scattered around the city.

The New Yorker

"We're scattered around the city now.

The New Yorker

Gallery shows were scattered around town.

The New York Times - Arts

The rest are scattered around the world.

The New Yorker

Seventeen bullet casings lay scattered around them.

The New Yorker

Other bank officials scattered around the region.

The New York Times

Ariak's belongings are scattered around the room.

The Guardian

A lot of boy-stuff scattered around.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scattered around" to vividly describe items or people that are not neatly organized or contained in one place. It adds detail to your descriptions and helps the reader visualize the scene.

Common error

Avoid using "scattered around" with abstract nouns. It's more appropriate for tangible items or people in a physical space. For example, instead of saying "Ideas were scattered around the meeting", try "Ideas were discussed throughout the meeting".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scattered around" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the manner or location in which something is dispersed or distributed. It provides spatial context, describing how objects or entities are spread out, as exemplified in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "scattered around" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to describe items or people dispersed across an area. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, appearing frequently in news, scientific writing, and more informal contexts. When describing physical spaces, it is important to avoid using "scattered around" with abstract nouns. Alternatives like "spread out", "dispersed throughout", and "strewn about" offer subtle differences in meaning, allowing for greater precision in writing. With a strong expert rating and a neutral register, "scattered around" remains a valuable tool for descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spread out

Focuses on the spatial distribution, emphasizing the act of extending across an area.

dispersed throughout

Highlights the act of scattering and implies a more thorough distribution within a specific space.

distributed across

Emphasizes the systematic arrangement over a surface or area.

strewn about

Suggests a more random and less organized scattering.

littered around

Implies a negative connotation, suggesting untidiness.

dotted around

Suggests small, distinct items are scattered in a visual pattern.

sprinkled around

Implies a light and even distribution, similar to sprinkling.

broadcast widely

Focuses on the act of disseminating information or items to a large audience or area.

circulated amongst

Implies a movement or flow within a group or area.

positioned haphazardly

Highlights the lack of planning in the placement of items.

FAQs

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

You can use "scattered around" to describe items or people spread across an area. For example, "Toys were scattered around the playroom" or "Guests were "milling around" the garden".

What can I say instead of "scattered around"?

Alternatives include "spread out", "dispersed throughout", or "strewn about", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "scattered around" or should I use another phrase?

"Scattered around" is a perfectly acceptable and common phrase. The suitability depends on the context. If you want to emphasize randomness, "strewn about" might be better. For wider distribution, consider "spread out".

What is the difference between "scattered around" and "distributed across"?

"Scattered around" implies a less organized arrangement, whereas "distributed across" suggests a more planned or even distribution. "The books were scattered around the room" vs. "Resources were "distributed across" the region".