scattered through

USAGE SUMMARY

"scattered through" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
This expression is used to describe something that is distributed in multiple separate places or locations. Example sentence: The evidence was scattered through all of the court documents.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The family today is scattered through Europe and the Americas.

The New Yorker

They're randomly scattered through the genome.

Cornell University

There are still Jewish shops scattered through the old market.

The New York Times

Traces of earlier diasporas are scattered through Inner London.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In my man toolbox and scattered through the house.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The signs are scattered through the Miami Dolphins' locker room.

The New York Times - Sports

Collages by Phoebe Beasley are scattered through the rooms.

The New York Times

Scattered through the building were about four hundred coins.

The New Yorker

There are other interesting morsels scattered through the budget.

The Guardian

Almost all the messages on plaques scattered through the catacombs dwell simply on mortality.

The New York Times - Travel

But Publix has more than 1,000 locations scattered through the Southeast.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scattered through" to vividly describe items or elements that are not arranged in an organized or predictable manner within a defined area or medium.

Common error

Avoid using "scatter" as a direct replacement for "spread" when describing the distribution of something uniform; "scattered through" implies distinct, separate items.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scattered through" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes how objects or elements are distributed or positioned within a given space or medium. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and common usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

32%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "scattered through" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that describes the dispersed arrangement of objects or elements within a defined space. Ludwig AI validates its common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. Alternatives like "dispersed throughout" and "distributed among" can provide subtle variations in meaning. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately portrays a random or unorganized distribution. Keep this guide in mind to enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dispersed throughout

Uses a different verb ("dispersed" instead of "scattered") and a synonym for "through" ("throughout").

distributed among

Employs "distributed" to suggest a more even or planned arrangement and "among" to indicate the objects the scattering occurred in.

strewn across

"Strewn" evokes a sense of random scattering, while "across" emphasizes a surface.

peppered throughout

"Peppered" suggests small items are scattered, and "throughout" highlights the extent of the distribution.

interspersed within

Implies items are placed at intervals, with "within" focusing on containment.

diffused in

"Diffused" indicates a spreading out, often of something less tangible, and "in" points to the medium.

spread across

Uses the verb "spread" to imply a less precise or intentional scattering, and "across" to indicate a surface.

dotted around

"Dotted" implies small, discrete items are positioned around a space.

riddled with

"Riddled" often suggests something negative is extensively scattered, creating problems or flaws.

permeated by

"Permeated" indicates a substance or influence spreads evenly and thoroughly throughout something.

FAQs

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

You can use "scattered through" to describe items or elements distributed randomly within a space, like "The toys were scattered through the room" or "Ideas are "scattered through" the text".

What's the difference between "scattered through" and "dispersed throughout"?

"Scattered through" suggests a more random and less even distribution, whereas "dispersed throughout" implies a more even spreading. Both phrases can often be used interchangeably, but the slight difference in connotation can be relevant depending on context.

What are some alternatives to "scattered through"?

Alternatives to "scattered through" include phrases such as "distributed among", "spread across", or "peppered throughout", depending on the desired nuance.

Is "scattered through" formal or informal?

"Scattered through" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and context than on the phrase itself. More formal synonyms, such as "interspersed within", may exist for specific situations.