scramble

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'scramble' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a quick or disordered movement or activity. For example, "The kids scrambled to grab the last seat on the bus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A narrow scramble, no wider than a sheep track, edged over the heaps of waste rock towards a larch wood within a ferny, stone wall.

The Guardian

This was the beginning of what she now calls "live cinema": performances that come alive somewhere between the chaotic scramble on stage and the smooth, cinema-quality output on the screen.

The Guardian

It has also unleashed a new scramble for oil, minerals and cropland that is accelerating deforestation and fuelling a new wave of land conflicts from Colombia to Chile.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 9.27pm AEST12:27 42 min: Corey Parker gives away a penalty right in front, 10m out, after a mad scramble for the ball following a NSW bomb.

The Guardian - Sport

The scramble to get the funds together could leave Athens unable to meet pensions and welfare payments at the end of May.

The Guardian - Business

Human rights are being systematically violated in the world's tropical forests as conservationists, big business and governments ignore indigenous people and scramble for land in advance of a global climate deal.

The Guardian

Killie thought they had won it 10 minutes from time but Nathan Eccleston saw his shot heroically blocked by Tam Scobbie in a dramatic goalmouth scramble.

The Guardian - Sport

Instead, I snap it with my camera and scramble back.

The Guardian - Travel

Donaldson should have made it 3-0, 12 minutes before half-time, when he seized on Cook's tame back header only for Elphick to scramble back and clear the ex-Brentford man's shot off the line.

The Guardian - Sport

Norwich tore into the visitors as soon as play resumed, with Ipswich having to scramble the ball away as Howson and Cameron Jerome threatened in the 46th minute.

The Guardian - Sport

This year saw a particularly hairy scramble to "thread" Napes Needle, a pinnacle that juts up sharply from a scree slope against the steep side of Great Gable.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where multiple entities are trying to obtain something quickly and competitively, consider using "scramble" to emphasize the urgency and potential disarray.

Common error

Avoid using "scramble" to describe well-coordinated or planned activities. The term implies a degree of chaos or lack of order. For more structured attempts, use words like "compete" or "pursue".

Linguistic Context

The word "scramble" primarily functions as a verb, describing hurried or disorganized movement or effort. Ludwig AI affirms its usability in written English, indicating its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

28%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "scramble" is a versatile term primarily used as a verb to describe hurried, disorganized movement, or competitive efforts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in news and media, business, and general contexts, maintaining a neutral register. When writing, use "scramble" to emphasize urgency and potential disarray, but avoid it for well-coordinated activities. Consider synonyms like "rush" or "clamber" depending on the specific connotation you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hurry

Implies quick movement or action, similar to the "scramble" but without necessarily implying disarray.

rush

Similar to "scramble", indicating urgent or hasty movement, often due to time constraints.

clamber

Refers to climbing awkwardly or with difficulty, akin to one sense of "scramble" involving rough terrain.

struggle

Highlights the effort and difficulty in achieving something, mirroring the competitive sense of "scramble".

vie

Implies competition for something, similar to "scramble" in contexts of vying for resources or positions.

jostle

Indicates pushing or crowding against others, as in a "scramble" for space or advantage.

race

Suggests a contest of speed, like a "scramble" to be first or achieve something quickly.

dash

Implies quick, sudden movement, similar to the speed implied in some uses of "scramble".

compete

Focuses on the competitive aspect, where individuals or groups "scramble" to outperform each other.

contend

Implies striving or struggling against odds, reflecting the effort involved in a "scramble".

FAQs

How can I use "scramble" in a sentence?

You can use "scramble" to describe a hurried or disorganized movement, like "The children "scramble" for the dropped candy." It can also mean to compete fiercely, such as "Companies "scramble" for market share."

What are some synonyms for "scramble"?

Alternatives to "scramble" include "rush", "clamber", "jostle", and "struggle". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "scramble" in formal writing?

While "scramble" is generally acceptable, it can sometimes imply a lack of control or organization. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "compete" or "strive" if a more neutral tone is desired.

What does it mean when we say countries "scramble" for resources?

When describing countries that "scramble" for resources, it usually implies a competitive and sometimes aggressive effort to secure access, often suggesting a lack of international cooperation or fair distribution.