thrown about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thrown about" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe something that is being tossed or moved around without control or direction. Example: The group of kids were throwing a ball around, and it was being thrown about the room, narrowly missing the fragile decorations on the shelves.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Crew members were thrown about and bruised".

Independent

He had thrown about 120 pitches, which these days is considered a lot.

The New York Times - Sports

In its heart there is the fairy queen, while the outer creatures are thrown about and about.

Independent

"I was sword-fighting, jumping over tables, getting thrown about," Foster recalls.

The Guardian

Bodies were thrown about, with one man, his leg missing, landing more than 160 feet away.

The New York Times

Also being thrown about is the advanced compact F60fd.

TechCrunch

As the earnings season wraps up, whisper numbers are thrown about more than ever before.

Forbes

"But it's bigger than that with the way football is today and the money thrown about".

BBC

"It has happened too many times at clubs that money is thrown about early on and then it disappears.

BBC

(Oh, okay — as long as everyone else's data is getting thrown about, too, I guess it's okay. Cough).

TechCrunch

Is it worthy of the much thrown about "iPhone-killer" tag that some are already giving it?

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "thrown about", consider the specific context to ensure the chosen verb accurately conveys the intended degree of force or randomness. For instance, use "flung about" for more violent action and "tossed around" for lighter action.

Common error

Ensure the tense of "thrown about" aligns with the rest of the sentence. Avoid mixing past and present tenses, which can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thrown about" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used in the passive voice to describe something or someone being moved forcefully or randomly. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound. Examples include physical actions, as well as less tangible occurrences such as words or accusations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

11%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

1%

Science

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "thrown about" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that describes a state of being moved forcefully or randomly. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical soundness, with common usage spanning contexts like news reporting and general descriptions. While the phrase can be used in various registers, it tends to be more common in neutral to informal settings. Understanding the nuances of "thrown about" and its alternatives—such as "tossed around" or "bandied about"—enhances clarity and precision in writing, allowing for tailored expression based on the intended impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flung about

Similar to "thrown about", but suggests a more forceful action.

tossed around

Focuses on the physical action of being lightly thrown.

bandied about

Emphasizes the casual and often widespread discussion of something.

scattered around

Highlights the state of being dispersed randomly.

knocked about

Implies rough handling or movement.

circulated widely

Refers to the widespread distribution of information or rumors.

kicked around

Suggests being treated carelessly or without respect.

dispersed randomly

Focuses on the unplanned distribution of items.

passed around

Indicates the act of distributing something among a group.

hurled around

Implies a forceful and violent throwing action.

FAQs

How can I use "thrown about" in a sentence?

You can use "thrown about" to describe physical movement (e.g., "The sailors were thrown about during the storm") or the spread of information (e.g., "Accusations were thrown about during the debate").

What are some alternatives to using "thrown about"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "tossed around", "scattered around", or "bandied about".

Is it correct to say "being thrown about"?

Yes, "being thrown about" is grammatically correct. It's often used in passive constructions to describe an ongoing action (e.g., "The luggage was being thrown about by the baggage handlers").

What is the difference between "thrown about" and "scattered around"?

"Thrown about" suggests a more forceful or chaotic movement, while "scattered around" implies a more dispersed and less directed arrangement.