thinly scattered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thinly scattered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is spread out in a sparse or uneven manner over an area. Example: "The flowers were thinly scattered across the meadow, creating a delicate and picturesque landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

A thinly scattered population and government subsidies for road and air travel did not help.

The Economist

That's because Lib-Dem supporters today, like those of the Alliance in 1983, are thinly scattered across the land.

The New Yorker

This is especially true in America, where his work is thinly scattered across a number of museums and largely ignored.Ensor's renown may be about to change.

The Economist

The non-Malay indigenous ethnic groups are thinly scattered in the foothill country, the mountains, and, to some extent, in the coastal lowlands as well.

Britannica

Using the privilege brought by the income from the licence fee, it should serve the thinly scattered few as well as the many.

The Guardian

During the Roman age, the natural plant landscape was characterised by wetlands, thinly scattered mixed oak woods, cereal fields, gardens and other human environments; during the Late Roman and Early Medieval age, the woodlands increased.

Journal of Archaeological Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

But Mr. French struggles to get his arms around the size and import of this teeming country, and he thinly scatters what ideas he has on arid ground.

The New York Times - Books

• Mushrooms, thinly sliced, scattered with Parmesan shavings, olive oil, red pepper flakes and parsley.

The New York Times

Even if there were billions in total, they could have been scattered thinly across the cosmos.

The New York Times

They are also marvelous thinly sliced and scattered on top of pizza dough before baking.

The New York Times

And these are scattered thinly over 13 nations, four of which no longer have viable breeding populations.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing populations or distributions, ensure that "thinly scattered" accurately reflects a sparse but present distribution, rather than complete absence.

Common error

Avoid using "thinly scattered" in contexts where a more precise description of distribution or quantity is needed. The phrase is most effective when describing physical distributions, not abstract concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thinly scattered" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the manner in which something is distributed, indicating a sparse or infrequent presence. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing this usage across different domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "thinly scattered" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, describing something distributed sparsely or infrequently. Ludwig indicates that it is considered grammatically correct and sees common use in news media, encyclopedias and scientific writing. While the phrase is useful in a variety of contexts, it is important to ensure it accurately portrays the distribution and to avoid overuse in abstract scenarios. Alternatives such as "sparsely distributed" or "lightly spread" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When using "thinly scattered", consider the overall tone and clarity of your writing to ensure the most effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sparsely distributed

Highlights the low density or wide spacing between elements.

sparingly scattered

Emphasizes the limited quantity or infrequency of the scattering.

unevenly distributed

Highlights the inconsistency in the scattering pattern.

lightly spread

Focuses on the evenness of the distribution, implying a delicate covering.

widely spaced

Focuses on the distance between scattered items.

infrequently dispersed

Stresses the lack of regularity in the scattering.

patchily spread

Suggests distribution in distinct, isolated areas.

faintly sprinkled

Implies a very subtle and delicate scattering.

meagerly strewn

Conveys the idea of a very small quantity being scattered.

scarcely populated

Specifically relates to the sparse distribution of people in an area.

FAQs

How can I use "thinly scattered" in a sentence?

You can use "thinly scattered" to describe objects or people that are spread out sparsely over an area, such as "The wildflowers were thinly scattered across the meadow" or "The population was thinly scattered throughout the rural region".

What can I say instead of "thinly scattered"?

You can use alternatives like "sparsely distributed", "lightly spread", or "unevenly distributed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "thinly scattered" or "thinly spread"?

Both "thinly scattered" and "thinly spread" can be correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Thinly scattered" implies a distribution of discrete items, while "thinly spread" suggests a more continuous covering.

What's the difference between "thinly scattered" and "sparsely populated"?

"Thinly scattered" can refer to any kind of object or item spread across an area, while "sparsely populated" specifically describes an area with a low density of people.