scramble through

USAGE SUMMARY

"scramble through" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to indicate a sense of urgent clumsily making your way through something. For example, "She scrambled through the pile of paperwork, looking for the document she needed".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

I scramble through my notes.

The Guardian - Film

Verdict: City to scramble through.

The Guardian - Sport

The city's victims scramble through the audience to the stage.

The Guardian - Books

These children scramble through the door and pile onto the ice.

The New York Times

Nothing will essentially change even if England scramble through to next year's finals in Brazil.

Independent

"We had to scramble through boxes and files to find what she had," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

He saw others scrambling through it onto the highway.

The New York Times

He scrambles through the brush to get a better look.

The New York Times

He scrambled through the troubadour of song bit.

The Guardian - Music

And Lu scrambles through from there to hold.

The Guardian - Sport

We scrambled through thicket to the river bank and a scene of breathtaking beauty.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scramble through" when describing a hurried or disorganized movement through a physical or abstract space. For example, "The students scrambled through their notes before the exam."

Common error

Avoid using "scramble through" when a more formal or organized approach is implied. Using "navigate" or "work through" might be more appropriate in professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "scramble through" functions primarily as a verb of motion, describing the act of moving quickly and often clumsily through something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, exemplified by sentences showing individuals urgently searching or traversing difficult terrains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scramble through" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrasal verb that describes a hurried or disorganized movement through a space or task. As Ludwig AI points out, it's widely applicable, though best suited for neutral registers and contexts where urgency is relevant. When considering alternatives, phrases like "rush through" or "hurry through" can serve as suitable replacements, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. It's important to remember that "scramble through" implies a certain degree of disorganization or difficulty, so it's wise to avoid it in situations requiring a more formal or deliberate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hurry through

Emphasizes speed and haste when moving or completing something.

rush through

Suggests a lack of attention to detail due to the speed of movement or completion.

muddle through

Implies a lack of skill or planning while still managing to get through something.

stumble through

Highlights the difficulty and potential for errors in the process.

fumble through

Focuses on the clumsiness and awkwardness of the movement or action.

plow through

Indicates a forceful and determined effort to overcome obstacles.

fight through

Suggests a struggle against opposition while progressing.

eke through

Emphasizes barely managing to survive or succeed.

navigate through

Highlights the need for careful planning and skill to proceed.

work through

Implies a systematic and diligent approach to resolving a problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "scramble through" to describe a hurried or disorganized search, like "She had to "scramble through" her bag to find her keys" or to describe a difficult journey like "The hikers had to "scramble through" the rocky terrain".

What can I say instead of "scramble through"?

You can use alternatives like "rush through", "hurry through", or "muddle through" depending on the context.

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

While "scramble through" is grammatically correct, it suggests a lack of organization or a sense of urgency. In formal writing, consider using alternatives that convey a more controlled or deliberate approach, such as "navigate through" or "work through".

What's the difference between "scramble through" and "climb through"?

"Scramble through" implies a hurried and somewhat disorganized movement, often involving obstacles. "Climb through" specifically refers to using hands and feet to ascend or pass through an opening or obstacle, without necessarily implying haste or disorganization.