scattered over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scattered over" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is spread throughout an area, or separated and not in one place. For example, "The pieces of paper were scattered over the entire floor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Serve with some pomegranate seeds scattered over.

Independent

"She had her ashes scattered over Cape Cod Bay".

The New York Times

Broken coconuts lay scattered over the gravel.

The New Yorker

Debris was scattered over 50 sq km.

The Guardian

The microscopically small eyes are scattered over the body.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Creedmoor has 70 buildings scattered over 300 acres.

The New Yorker

The rest were scattered over the field in confusion.

The New York Times

On race days they are scattered over the long course.

The New York Times - Sports

Scattered over time, another year or so in London.

The Guardian - Books

Debris and bodies were scattered over two hectares.

The Guardian

The clues lie scattered over eastern Texas and western Louisiana.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of randomness or disarray when using "scattered over". If a more organized arrangement is intended, consider alternatives like "distributed evenly" or "placed carefully".

Common error

While "scattered over" is acceptable in many contexts, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound less precise. Replace it with a more descriptive verb that accurately conveys the specific arrangement or distribution you're trying to describe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scattered over" primarily functions as a compound verb phrase, indicating the action of distributing items or elements randomly across a surface or area. As Ludwig confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase in English. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing physical distributions, such as "Debris was scattered over 50 sq km."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

38%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "scattered over" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression in English to describe the random or uneven distribution of items across a surface or area. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It appears most commonly in news media and scientific writing, with a neutral register suitable for a variety of contexts. While generally appropriate, writers should consider more precise language in highly formal settings. Related phrases like "spread across" or "strewn across" offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings, with subtle differences in connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spread across

Implies a more even distribution across a surface.

distributed throughout

Suggests a controlled and even distribution within a defined space.

strewn across

Indicates a more random or haphazard distribution.

littered across

Implies a messy or undesirable scattering.

sprinkled over

Suggests a light and even distribution, often of small particles.

dotted across

Implies the presence of small, distinct points or objects at intervals.

blanketed across

Suggests covering a very wide area.

dispersed among

Indicates objects moving away from each other

broadcast across

Describes the wide spread of a message to many people

permeated throughout

To spread or diffuse through something.

FAQs

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

Use "scattered over" to describe items or elements spread randomly or unevenly across a surface or area. For example, "Debris was scattered over the beach after the storm."

What is a good alternative to "scattered over"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "spread across", "strewn across", or "distributed throughout" to convey similar meanings.

Is it correct to say "scattered on" instead of "scattered over"?

While "scattered on" might be acceptable in some contexts, "scattered over" is generally preferred when referring to a surface or area. "Scattered on" may imply a more deliberate placement.

What does "scattered over time" mean?

"Scattered over time" implies that events or occurrences are spread out across a period of time, not concentrated in one specific moment. It indicates a lack of clustering.