strewn across

USAGE SUMMARY

"strewn across" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you are referring to a scattering of objects or ideas across an area; for example, "The broken glass was strewn across the kitchen floor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Autumn leaves are strewn across the floor.

The Guardian

Tin cups were strewn across the ground.

The Guardian

"Bodies strewn across a dead-end street".

The New Yorker

Her body parts were strewn across the road.

Independent

Inside, toys were strewn across the shag carpeting.

The New Yorker

Bodies lay strewn across streets reduced to rubble.

The Economist

The ingredients are strewn across tables, not stacked on shelves.

The Economist

Other debris included pieces of clothing strewn across the pavement.

Independent

Photographs show bloody bodies strewn across the ground.

The Economist

Walnuts are strewn across the top, rich and oily.

The New York Times - Food

Cars were strewn across roadways and entire blocks were flattened.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strewn across" to vividly depict a scene of disorder or random distribution, creating a strong visual image for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "strewn across" for abstract concepts; it is best suited for tangible objects physically scattered over a surface.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strewn across" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used adjectivally to describe a noun. It modifies the noun by indicating how objects are distributed over a surface. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strewn across" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to vividly depict a scene where objects are scattered randomly over a surface. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Its frequency is very common, particularly in News & Media, where it enhances descriptive writing. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with tangible objects and the intention to portray a disordered or random distribution. Alternatives like "scattered over" or "littered about" can be used depending on the desired nuance. This phrase is a valuable tool for creating impactful and descriptive prose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strewn about

Drops the directional component, focusing simply on the scattered state of items.

scattered around

Highlights the distribution of items in a general area.

scattered over

Focuses on the action of spreading items, whereas "strewn across" implies a more haphazard arrangement.

thrown about

Emphasizes the act of tossing objects randomly.

littered about

Emphasizes the untidiness or messiness of the scattered items, adding a negative connotation not always present in "strewn across".

spread over

Implies a more even distribution compared to the randomness suggested by "strewn across".

distributed around

Suggests a more organized arrangement, diverging from the haphazard nature of "strewn across".

dotted across

Suggests a sparse scattering of items, where they appear as distinct points.

sprinkled across

Implies a light and delicate scattering, suitable for fine particles or small objects.

broadcasted across

Focuses on the act of deliberately casting items widely.

FAQs

How can I use "strewn across" in a sentence?

The phrase "strewn across" describes objects scattered randomly over a surface. For example, "Autumn leaves were "strewn across" the floor."

What are some alternatives to "strewn across"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "scattered over", "littered about", or "spread over" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "strewn across" formal or informal language?

The phrase "strewn across" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's more commonly found in descriptive writing within news and media or literature.

What's the difference between "scattered across" and "strewn across"?

"Scattered across" implies a more general distribution, while "strewn across" suggests a more random and often haphazard scattering. You could also consider these alternatives: "scattered around" or "scattered over".