scattering

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "scattering" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the dispersion of something, such as a group of people or objects. For example: "The children scattered around the playground, their laughter echoing through the air."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

All sides agreed that diversionary feeding (scattering dead chicks on the moorlands – room service for harriers) was a good way to reduce nesting hen harriers' predation of grouse.

The Guardian

On Christmas eve I was polite to my brother and enjoyed scattering reindeer dust on the drive.

The Guardian

I wade through it, watch the snackers and picnickers scattering it about, feel my blood pressure rising, and wish I was a huge fellow with bulging muscles and martial-arts skills so that I could order the stinkers to pick up their rubbish.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Despite heavily blacked out windows, his car was swamped by photographers and slowed to walking pace, until the following police car sounded its siren, scattering the press.

The Guardian - Business

The blast sent a rumble across the Emerald City, raising desert soil that caked homes brown, and sending thousands of pigeons scattering through the sky.

The Guardian

(Johnson) New Museum: 'Ellen Gallagher: Don't Axe Me' (through Sept. 15) Ellen Gallagher emerged in the early 1990s with memorable paintings that yoked Minimalism to minstrelsy by scattering tiny caricatures of eyes and mouths across creamy expanses of paper and canvas.

The New York Times - Arts

In parts of the Brazilian Amazon, where smallholders' farming techniques are still very basic, a local environmental group has helped reduce forest loss in one community by getting farmers to adopt a few simple improvements, such as planting their crops in rows rather than scattering seeds, and using hoes for weeding.

The Economist

Dr Kao and his assistants worked out what was absorbing and scattering the light in these fibres (the most significant problem being traces of iron).

The Economist

Odessa, with its many Russian-speakers, might have been next.Masked pro-Russian demonstrators then opened fire, scattering the pro-Ukrainian crowd.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

This refraction eliminates both the red end of the spectrum (red light is not bent enough by the air layer to form part of the second image) and the blue frequencies (which are scattered away: this selective scattering is why the sky is blue).

The Economist

An observer looking at the sky (rather than directly at the sun) sees light waves that have been scattered and are thus mainly blue.A similar light-scattering can occur inside a fibre-optic cable, caused by minute fluctuations in its molecular structure.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scattering" to describe the act of spreading things loosely and irregularly, such as "scattering seeds" or "scattering a crowd".

Common error

Avoid using "scattering" when you actually mean things are grouped together. "Scattering" implies dispersion, while "clustering" implies aggregation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "scattering" is as a verb form (present participle) or a noun. As a verb, it describes the action of dispersing or spreading something out. As a noun, it refers to the act of dispersing or a small quantity dispersed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scattering" is a versatile term used to describe the act of dispersing or spreading something, and Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, "scattering" functions both as a verb and a noun, conveying a sense of randomness or light distribution. To avoid confusion, remember that "scattering" implies dispersion, not aggregation. Alternatives like "spreading around" or "dispersing widely" can be used depending on the desired nuance. This word is widely used in news/media, but is definitely usable in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spreading around

Emphasizes the action of distributing something over an area.

distributing randomly

Highlights the lack of a specific pattern in the distribution.

dispersing widely

Focuses on the extensive spread of something.

sprinkling lightly

Suggests a delicate and sparse distribution.

strewing about

Implies a careless or informal way of distributing items.

broadcasting all over

Conveys the idea of widely transmitting or disseminating something.

diffusing throughout

Highlights the gradual spread of something into every part.

disseminating everywhere

Emphasizes the pervasive distribution of information or ideas.

propagating vastly

Suggests a large-scale and extensive distribution.

radiating outward

Conveys the idea of spreading from a central point.

FAQs

How can I use "scattering" in a sentence?

You can use "scattering" to describe the act of dispersing or spreading something. For example, "The wind was "scattering leaves" across the yard".

What can I say instead of "scattering"?

Alternatives to "scattering" include "spreading around", "distributing randomly", or "dispersing widely" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "scattering of people"?

Yes, "scattering of people" is a correct and common usage, describing a small number of people spread out over an area. Other options include "small group of people".

What's the difference between "scattering" and "spreading"?

"Scattering" typically implies a more random and less controlled distribution than "spreading". You might "scatter seeds" by hand, but "spread butter" with a knife.