splinters here and there

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "splinters here and there" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is scattered or fragmented in various places. Example: "As I walked through the old barn, I noticed splinters here and there on the wooden floor, remnants of its once sturdy structure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

You get a couple of splinters here and there," Scott said, using an old metaphor for the team bench.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's more like a smashed sheet of reflective glass, continually reshattering, with splinters scattered here and there, many lost forever.

The New York Times - Arts

"Here and there.

The New Yorker

Here and there, no.

The New York Times

Here and there, Dani paused.

The New Yorker

Music played here and there.

The New Yorker

I mean, here and there.

Independent

Bodies lay here and there.

The New Yorker

There were slaps here and there.

The New York Times

Here and there, there was a signpost.

The New Yorker

"There are some things here and there.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "splinters here and there" to vividly describe a situation where small, sharp fragments are sparsely distributed, often implying damage or decay. For example, "After the storm, there were splinters here and there from the shattered fence."

Common error

Avoid using "splinters here and there" to describe a large quantity of fragments concentrated in one area. The phrase implies a scattered, not dense, distribution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "splinters here and there" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating location and distribution. It describes where small, sharp fragments are located and suggests their scattered arrangement. Ludwig confirms the phrase's usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "splinters here and there" serves as an adverbial phrase effectively painting a picture of sparse, sharp fragments scattered across a given area. Ludwig confirms the phrase is grammatically sound and usable, albeit rare. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, depicting scenes of damage or decay. For alternative expressions, consider "scattered fragments" or "isolated shards". Remember to use the phrase accurately, implying a sparse rather than dense distribution of fragments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scattered remnants here and there

Expresses a state of being broken into small pieces and spread around an area, similar to the original query but more descriptive.

scattered fragments

Focuses on the dispersal of broken pieces rather than their specific nature as splinters.

random slivers

Focuses on the thin, narrow nature of the fragments and their unpredictable distribution.

isolated shards

Emphasizes the separation and sharpness of the fragments.

sporadic chips

Emphasizes the broken-off pieces and their infrequent occurrence.

occasional remnants

Highlights the remaining bits and their infrequent appearance.

odd flecks

Highlights the small size and unusual nature of the scattered particles.

sprinkled fragments

Emphasizes a light, scattered distribution, like sprinkles on food.

bits and pieces scattered about

A more general expression indicating a haphazard distribution of small items.

fleeting glimpses

Shifts the focus to visual impressions that are brief and scattered.

FAQs

How can I use "splinters here and there" in a sentence?

You can use "splinters here and there" to describe a sparse distribution of small, sharp fragments. For instance, "Walking barefoot in the old shed, I felt "splinters here and there" poking my feet."

What are some alternatives to "splinters here and there"?

Alternatives include "scattered fragments", "isolated shards", or "occasional remnants", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "splinter here and there" instead of "splinters here and there"?

No, "splinter here and there" is grammatically incorrect because "splinters" is plural. The phrase refers to multiple scattered fragments, so the plural form is necessary.

What's the difference between "fragments scattered about" and "splinters here and there"?

"Fragments scattered about" is a more general term for dispersed pieces, while "splinters here and there" specifically refers to small, sharp wood or glass fragments distributed sparsely.