skitter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "skitter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that moves quickly and lightly, often in a way that suggests a lack of control or direction. Example: "The leaves began to skitter across the pavement as the wind picked up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The skitter is a fighter, sort of spiderlike and skittering, he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Some of them even did that Flipper thing where they skitter across the surface on their tails.

The Guardian - Travel

Incidents spread over the picture without ever quite coming into focus, which makes the eye skitter frantically over the picture plane.

The Guardian - Arts

Listen also for the segments in which the bass is entirely cut from the sample, turning it into a trebly skitter of sound reminiscent of the leaks from a commuter's earphones.Shy FX featuring UK Apachi Original Nuttah (SOUR Records, 1994 If you have only one Amen track among your Desert Island Discs, let it be "Original Nuttah".

The Economist

The bewilderment re-doubled at the 12th when he bogeyed after finding a bunker from the tee and then there was another disaster at the 14th when he double-bogeyed again – this time after watching a chip from the right of the green slide back down the slope and then skitter further away from the hole.

Independent

As we put down our cases in the cool of our giant dark-wood bedrooms and skitter over the hot sand to meet Richard Chadburn, our sailing guru for the week, a tiny prickle of unease goes down my neck.

Independent

During the day, sparrows skittered around the garage, but sparrows didn't skitter at night, so he wasn't sure which animals were making sounds.

The New Yorker

Much of Turkmenistan is desert wasteland, scrubby bushes, and dusty boulders; lizards skitter through a landscape like cat litter.

The New Yorker

They slip from the crowded dining room and skitter onto the silvery beach.

The New Yorker

Miriam's on her feet — she wants to let go but just can't help herself — listening to her own voice skitter over the water and ricochet back again: "Don't get too far out!

The New Yorker

I held tight to my chair arms and watched my two pens skitter across the table before me, and heard myself repeat the frail, involuntary mantra that sometimes comes out of me when I find myself in heavy turbulence in a plane: "Bee Yovva … Be Yova … Be Ova … Be Over!" Then it was over.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the context. "Skitter" can also be used to describe a nervous or superficial way of behaving or speaking, for example: 'their conversation skittered across many topics.'

Common error

Avoid using "skitter" to describe slow or deliberate actions. The word implies quick, often erratic, movement. Using it incorrectly can confuse the reader and weaken the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The word "skitter" primarily functions as a verb, describing a type of quick, light movement. It can also be used as a noun, referring to the act of skittering or a skittering sound. Ludwig provides examples of both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "skitter" is a versatile word primarily used as a verb to describe quick, light movement. It can also function as a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use, especially in news and media contexts. When aiming for variety, consider alternatives like "scurry", "scamper", or "dart". Remember to avoid using "skitter" to describe slow or deliberate movements, as this can detract from the clarity of your writing. Employ "skitter" when you want to paint a vivid image of something moving rapidly and often erratically.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scurry

Implies hurried and rapid movement, often due to fear or urgency.

scamper

Suggests playful and light-footed movement, often used for small animals or children.

dart

Describes a sudden and quick movement in a specific direction.

scuttle

Indicates hurried movement, often with a sense of awkwardness or clumsiness.

flit

Implies light and quick movement from place to place, often in an erratic manner.

skip

Suggests a light, bouncing movement, often done in a joyful or carefree manner.

glide

Describes smooth and effortless movement, often across a surface.

skim

Indicates a light touch or movement across a surface, barely making contact.

streak

Implies moving very fast in a straight line

zip

Describes a fast, whizzing movement.

FAQs

How is "skitter" used in a sentence?

The word "skitter" describes quick, light movement across a surface. For example, "The crab "skittered" across the sand" or "The papers "skittered" in the wind."

What's a good substitute for "skitter"?

Depending on the context, you could use "scurry", "scamper", "dart", or "scuttle" as alternatives to "skitter".

Can "skitter" describe sound?

Yes, "skitter" can also describe a sound, specifically a light, rapidly repeating noise. An example: "I heard the "skitter" of mice in the walls."

Is it correct to use "skitter" to describe an abstract concept like thoughts?

Yes, "skitter" can be used metaphorically to describe the quick and erratic movement of thoughts or ideas, implying a lack of focus or control. For example, "Her thoughts "skittered" from one subject to another."