scattered to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scattered to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of being dispersed or spread out in various directions or locations. Example: "After the storm, the leaves were scattered to every corner of the yard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Everyone's scattered to the winds.

The New York Times

Protocol was scattered to the winds.

The Economist

The rest of the teams scattered to other conferences.

The New York Times - Sports

"They are scattered to the four winds," Mr. Edwards said.

The New York Times

The White House staff was scattered to the four winds.

The New Yorker

Some residents scattered to the homes of friends and relatives.

The New York Times

The workers are scattered to federal lockups around the country.

The New York Times

The best part of £100m scattered to the winds.

The Guardian - Opinion

The workers, now scattered to uncertain fates and still in debt, have seen no such empathy.

The New York Times

For one thing, Zimbabweans are too scattered to coordinate a revolt.

The New York Times

By the time Nathalie was born, the Chilcotts had scattered to the winds.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scattered to" to vividly describe a situation where items or people are widely distributed, often implying a lack of organization or control. For example: "After the explosion, debris was scattered to the four winds."

Common error

Avoid using "scattered to" when a more precise term like "distributed to" or "assigned to" better conveys a planned or orderly arrangement. "Scattered to" often implies randomness or disarray.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scattered to" functions primarily as a verb phrase followed by a preposition, indicating the result of an action where items or people are dispersed. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase is frequently used to describe the outcome of events leading to dispersion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "scattered to" is a versatile expression used to describe the dispersal of items or people across a wide area. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. While it often implies a sense of randomness or disarray, it can also simply describe a state of distribution. Predominantly found in News & Media, it offers a vivid way to depict situations where entities are no longer grouped together. Alternatives such as "dispersed among" or "spread across" can be used for nuanced meanings. Avoid it in contexts that require precise or orderly distribution terms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dispersed among

This alternative emphasizes distribution among multiple points or recipients.

spread across

This suggests a broader, less targeted distribution over an area.

distributed throughout

Focuses on a systematic or even allocation within a defined area or group.

diverged towards

Implies movement in separate directions from a central point or origin.

partitioned into

This alternative suggests division or apportionment into distinct segments or groups.

diffused among

Suggests a gradual spreading or permeation throughout a medium or population.

strewn around

This suggests a haphazard, scattered arrangement.

allocated among

Suggests a formal assignment of resources or items to different entities or locations.

dissipated across

Suggests a fading or diminishing presence as something spreads out.

apportioned between

Implies a fair distribution among different parties or categories.

FAQs

What does "scattered to" mean?

The phrase "scattered to" means that something or someone has been dispersed or spread out across a wide area or among various locations, often implying a lack of order or a sense of being lost or dispersed.

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

You can use "scattered to" to describe how a group of people, objects, or ideas have been spread out in different directions or places, such as, "After the company's closure, the employees were "dispersed among" various new companies".

What are some alternatives to "scattered to"?

Some alternatives include "spread across", "distributed throughout", or "diverged towards", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "scattered to the four winds"?

Yes, "scattered to the four winds" is a common and idiomatic expression that means something has been completely dispersed or lost, often beyond recovery. It emphasizes the wide distribution and finality of the scattering.