there is a smattering of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there is a smattering of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or scattered amount of something, often in a context where the quantity is not significant. Example: "In the garden, there is a smattering of wildflowers that add a touch of color to the landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

What they find when they get there is a smattering of tavernas and countless quiet coves.

The New York Times

There is a smattering of videos.

The New York Times - Arts

There is a smattering of older travellers.

The Guardian - Travel

There is a smattering of Albanians, Poles and Pakistanis.

The New York Times

Vegetation includes species of mimosa and acacia, and there is a smattering of cactus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is a smattering of gymnastics: headstands, rings, squats, box jumps, pistols (squats on one leg).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

As it was there was a smattering of boos on the final whistle and the visiting manager, Paul Lambert, noted: "You can sense there's an anxiety here".

The Guardian - Sport

There was a smattering of applause.

The New York Times

There was a smattering of laughter.

The New Yorker

There was a smattering of applause in the chamber.

The Guardian

At which point there was a smattering of applause.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there is a smattering of" to subtly indicate a small or sparse presence of something, adding nuance without overstating the quantity. This phrase works well when the exact amount is less important than its mere existence.

Common error

Avoid using "there is a smattering of" excessively, as it can become repetitive. Opt for more direct or varied phrasing when describing quantities to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there is a smattering of" functions as an existential quantifier used to indicate the presence of a small, often sparse, amount of something. It is often followed by a noun to describe what exists in this limited quantity, as exemplified by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there is a smattering of" is a versatile expression used to indicate a small, dispersed amount of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media, encyclopedias, and formal business contexts. While "very common", it's important to avoid overuse to maintain writing clarity and engagement. Alternatives like "a small amount of" or "a handful of" can provide variety while conveying a similar meaning. Overall, "there is a smattering of" offers a nuanced way to describe quantities without being overly precise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there's a sprinkling of

Uses "sprinkling" instead of "smattering", implying a lighter, more scattered distribution.

a scattering of

Emphasizes the dispersed nature of the elements being described.

a small amount of

Replaces the idiomatic phrase with a more direct and literal expression of quantity.

a handful of

Indicates a small, easily countable quantity, often implying a limited number.

a few

Simplifies the expression to indicate a small but definite number.

a touch of

Implies a subtle presence or influence, rather than a specific quantity.

a trace of

Suggests a very faint or minimal presence, almost undetectable.

here and there

Indicates that items are sparsely distributed across an area.

only a bit of

Highlights the limited quantity and potentially its insufficiency.

a modicum of

Uses a more formal term to suggest a limited but adequate amount.

FAQs

How can I use "there is a smattering of" in a sentence?

Use "there is a smattering of" to indicate a small, dispersed amount of something. For example, "There is a smattering of hope amidst the chaos."

What can I say instead of "there is a smattering of"?

You can use alternatives like "a small amount of", "a handful of", or "a touch of" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "there is a smattering of" in formal writing?

Yes, "there is a smattering of" is suitable for formal writing, but consider the context. It's generally acceptable in news articles, essays, and reports where a nuanced description of quantity is needed.

What's the difference between "there is a smattering of" and "there are a few"?

"There is a smattering of" implies a more dispersed and less precisely countable quantity than "there are a few". The former suggests a scattering, while the latter indicates a definite, though small, number.