scattering of ideas

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scattering of ideas" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where various thoughts or concepts are dispersed or shared in a non-linear manner. Example: "The brainstorming session led to a scattering of ideas, each one more innovative than the last."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

[C4.] Recent patents for voting technologies cover a scattering of ideas for computer voting -- but little in the way of fine-tuning the current process.

The New York Times

But recent patents for voting technologies or systems cover a scattering of ideas for computer voting -- but little in the way of fine-tuning the current voting process.

The New York Times

That we had a scattering of ideas and weren't confident.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

On page after page, he scatters the kind of idea or image other novelists might have to save up for years to acquire.

The Guardian - Books

Sumo's whole visual vocabulary is infused with Shintoist motifs and ideas, from the scattering of salt to the structure and embellishments of the sumo dōyō (wrestling ring).

BBC

However, we feel, certain important points like the underlying cause behind the negative dρ/dT observed in this system just above T ρ, and the role of different scattering mechanisms [the idea of which can be obtained from the functional dependence of ρ(T)] in different phases have not been given due consideration.

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Physics

A scattering of family photos and a TV are all that decorate his desk in a compact working space that brims full of ideas rather than relics.

Independent

The idea to exploit the interference effects arising from multi­ple scattering of light to increase its absorption dates back to the eighties.

Advanced Optical Materials

Prosperity provided European holidays and different ideas of cooking, and waves of immigration had begun to establish Indian and Chinese restaurants, peppered with a scattering of Italian and Greek, in every British high street.

The New York Times - Books

A scattering of children.

The New York Times

A scattering of 1-yen coins.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scattering of ideas" when you want to convey that thoughts or concepts are diverse, somewhat disorganized, or distributed in a non-uniform way. It suggests a lack of central theme or focus.

Common error

Avoid using "scattering of ideas" when you actually mean a well-organized collection of concepts or a coherent system of thought. The phrase implies a degree of randomness or lack of structure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scattering of ideas" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a state of dispersed or unorganized thoughts, as supported by Ludwig's examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "scattering of ideas" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe a situation where thoughts or concepts lack organization or focus. Ludwig's analysis reveals that it functions as a noun phrase with a neutral register, suitable for diverse contexts like news, science, and business. While not exceedingly common, it effectively conveys a sense of randomness or a lack of clear direction. Alternatives such as "variety of concepts" or "range of notions" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The key is to employ "scattering of ideas" when you genuinely intend to highlight the disorganization or lack of a central theme.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

variety of concepts

Emphasizes the diverse nature of the concepts, rather than their dispersed arrangement.

assortment of concepts

Similar to "variety", this emphasizes the different types of concepts.

range of notions

Highlights the breadth of notions available, differing from the dispersal aspect.

patchwork of thoughts

Suggests a combination of different thoughts to form a whole.

mosaic of concepts

Implies that disparate concepts come together to form a complex picture.

spectrum of ideas

Emphasizes the continuous range of ideas, unlike the discrete scattering.

collection of thoughts

Focuses on gathering thoughts as a group, rather than scattering them.

proliferation of concepts

Highlights the rapid increase in the number of concepts.

cluster of ideas

Highlights the grouping of ideas, shifting the emphasis from dispersal.

dissemination of thoughts

Focuses on the distribution of thoughts, not necessarily their scattered nature.

FAQs

How can I use "scattering of ideas" in a sentence?

You can use "scattering of ideas" to describe a brainstorming session that produced many different, loosely connected thoughts, or a presentation that lacked a central, cohesive theme. For example: "The presentation felt like a "scattering of ideas", without a clear direction."

What are some alternatives to "scattering of ideas"?

Depending on the specific context, alternatives to "scattering of ideas" include "variety of concepts", "range of notions", or "assortment of concepts". Each alternative emphasizes slightly different aspects of diverse thoughts.

When is it appropriate to use "scattering of ideas"?

"Scattering of ideas" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the lack of focus or organization in a set of thoughts or concepts. It suggests a dispersed and potentially unfocused approach.

What's the difference between "scattering of ideas" and "collection of thoughts"?

"Scattering of ideas" implies a lack of organization or a dispersed nature, while "collection of thoughts" simply suggests a gathering of different ideas without necessarily implying disorganization. The first suggests randomness while the second is more neutral.