scattered by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scattered by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been dispersed or spread out by a particular force or agent. Example: "The leaves were scattered by the strong winds that swept through the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Acoustic phonons are effectively scattered by various scatterers for the thermoelectric power.

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Physics

Seven weeks ago that congregation was scattered by government officials.

The Guardian - Opinion

They were quickly scattered by teargas canisters and rubber bullets.

The Guardian

It is also scattered by air molecules and dust particles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The family had been scattered by the economic crisis that followed Egypt's slide into turmoil.

The Guardian

Within a few years, the inhabitants had all been scattered by designated race.

The New York Times - Books

His body had shrunk, lying among rose petals scattered by the servants.

The New Yorker

QuikScat measures direction and speed of ocean winds by analyzing microwaves scattered by the ocean surface.

The New York Times - Sports

As it is lifted, a mass of maggots is suddenly scattered by the sunlight.

The New York Times - Magazine

Diego never went to the window; his family was far away, scattered by the war.

The New Yorker

A week short of its destination, the fleet was scattered by a hurricane.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scattered by", ensure the subject being scattered and the agent causing the scattering are clearly identified for clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating what is doing the scattering. For example, instead of "Debris was scattered", specify "Debris was scattered by the explosion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scattered by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject has been dispersed or distributed by an external agent. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts. It describes how an entity is acted upon, leading to its fragmentation or distribution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

48%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "scattered by" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to indicate dispersal or distribution caused by an external agent. According to Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, from describing physical phenomena to more abstract concepts. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for news, scientific writing, and general communication. The most frequent contexts where the expression appears include "News & Media" and "Science". Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dispersed by

Focuses more on the act of spreading something out.

spread by

Emphasizes the extent to which something is distributed.

broken up by

Implies a disruption or division caused by something.

dissipated by

Suggests a gradual fading or vanishing due to an influence.

affected by

Highlights the impact or influence something has.

influenced by

Focuses on the power of something to change or affect.

driven by

Implies a forceful or compelling influence.

propelled by

Suggests movement or advancement caused by something.

interrupted by

Highlights a disturbance or break in continuity caused by an external element.

overwhelmed by

Suggests being overpowered or overcome by a force or feeling.

FAQs

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

Use "scattered by" to indicate that something has been dispersed or spread out due to an external force or agent. For example, "The crowd was "dispersed by" the police using tear gas".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "scattered by"?

Alternatives include "dispersed by", "spread by", or "broken up by", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "scattered because of" instead of "scattered by"?

While "scattered because of" might be understood, "scattered by" is more direct and grammatically conventional when indicating the agent or cause of the scattering. "Scattered because of" is more appropriate when indicating a reason or explanation.

What's the difference between "scattered by" and "influenced by"?

"Scattered by" implies a physical dispersion or distribution caused by something, while "influenced by" suggests a more abstract effect or change. For example, seeds can be "scattered by" the wind, while a decision can be "influenced by" public opinion.