was dispersed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was dispersed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of something being spread out or scattered over an area or among a group of people. Example: "After the event, the crowd was dispersed by the security personnel to ensure safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The group was dispersed by 10 p.m.

The New York Times

After 1945 this group was dispersed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After four grenades, the demonstration was dispersed.

The New Yorker

(His estate was dispersed in the 18th century).

The New York Times - Arts

Subsequently, the crowd was dispersed by firing projectiles.

The Guardian

The crowd was dispersed with rubber bullets, the police said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was dispersed suddenly by the news of Göring's suicide".

The New Yorker

Early in March 1849 the Kroměříž assembly was dispersed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Liberty Square was dispersed, but its spirit not defeated.

The New York Times

It said a similar demonstration in the coastal town of Banyas was dispersed without incident.

The Guardian

There, the violence implied in a "white pride" protest erupted, and the rally was dispersed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about abstract concepts like information or ideas, consider using synonyms like "disseminated" or "circulated" for more nuance.

Common error

Avoid confusing "dispersed", which means scattered or spread out, with "disbursed", which means distributed funds or resources. Ensure you're using the correct term based on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was dispersed" functions primarily as a passive voice construction of the verb 'disperse'. It indicates that the subject of the sentence underwent the action of being scattered or spread out. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use in describing how crowds, collections, and even abstract concepts are broken up and distributed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

26%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was dispersed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive voice construction that describes the act of something being scattered or spread out. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and versatility, as demonstrated across various contexts, including news reports, scientific literature, and encyclopedic entries. While the phrase is appropriate for neutral and formal registers, careful consideration should be given to selecting synonyms like "was scattered" or "was spread out" for nuanced meanings. Avoiding confusion with similar terms like "disbursed" is crucial for clear communication. Overall, "was dispersed" is a reliable and effective phrase for conveying the idea of scattering or spreading.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was scattered

Replaces "dispersed" with a more general term for spreading something out, maintaining the passive voice.

was spread out

Emphasizes the action of spreading something over an area, similar to dispersing.

was broken up

Focuses on the act of separating a group or entity into smaller parts, like dispersing a crowd.

was dissipated

Suggests that something vanished or faded away after being spread out.

was diffused

Implies a gradual spreading or permeation throughout an area.

was dissolved

Describes the process of something being broken down and distributed within a liquid or solution.

was disseminated

Highlights the action of spreading information or ideas widely.

was broadcast

Emphasizes the wide distribution of information or signals to many recipients.

was circulated

Focuses on the movement and distribution of something among a group or area.

was redistributed

Highlights the act of reorganizing and spreading something out again after a previous distribution.

FAQs

How can I use "was dispersed" in a sentence?

You can use "was dispersed" to describe something that has been scattered or spread out, like "The crowd "was dispersed" by the police" or "The seeds "was dispersed" by the wind".

What are some alternatives to using "was dispersed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "was scattered", "was spread out", or "was dissipated".

What is the difference between "was dispersed" and "was distributed"?

"Was dispersed" implies scattering or spreading something out, often by some external force. "Was distributed", on the other hand, suggests a more organized and even allocation of something.

Is it correct to say "the information was dispersed"?

Yes, it is correct. Saying "the information "was dispersed"" suggests that the information was spread widely or disseminated among many people or sources.