were distributed over

USAGE SUMMARY

'were distributed over' is correct and can be used in written English.
This expression is generally used to mean that things were spread out across a certain area. For example: The supplies were distributed over three different locations.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The water shares of the beneficiaries were distributed over throughout the week.

Environmental Sciences Europe

The remaining 72 isolates were distributed over 36 unique spoligotype patterns (Table 2; Figure 1).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Case herds were distributed over the study area.

Preventive Veterinary Medicine

During the first stage, plakoglobin plaques were distributed over the periphery of internalized cell (Fig. 4c).

Nature

The FAO total fertilizer consumption estimates for year 2000 were distributed over the cropland map of Ramankutty et al. (2008).

Columbia University

The flight lines were spaced 5 km apart and were distributed over the ground plots.

Remote Sensing of Environment

The 27 combinations were distributed over subjects in a fractional factorial 33-design.

Applied Ergonomics

Moreover, the passive ligament forces were distributed over the sacrotuberal, the sacrospinal and the posterior ligaments.

Journal of Biomechanics

These interventions lasted about 36 h and were distributed over a 3-month period.

European Transport Research Review

Bacterial cells were distributed over the entire surface of the GO.

Nanoscale Research Letters

According to Fig. 18c, lightning strokes were distributed over the topographic convergence lines.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were distributed over", ensure the subject clearly indicates what is being spread or allocated and the object specifies the area or range across which it is being spread.

Common error

Avoid using "were distributed over" when the intention is simply to describe the location of items without implying any process of spreading or allocation. In such cases, consider alternatives like "were located in" or "were found at".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were distributed over" functions as a passive construction indicating the spreading or allocation of something across an area or range. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

83%

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

5%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were distributed over" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes the act of spreading or allocating items or resources across a particular area or time period. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and well-established.

It is most frequently encountered in scientific and academic contexts, indicating a formal or neutral register. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the subject and object are clearly defined, specifying both what is being distributed and the range or area of distribution. Remember that if you want to simply specify the location, instead of implying a distribution across an area, you can consider using alternatives like "were located in".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were spread across

Focuses on the spatial distribution of something.

were allocated throughout

Emphasizes the process of assigning resources or items across a specific range or timeframe.

were scattered among

Suggests a more random or dispersed distribution.

were dispersed within

Similar to scattered, but implies a more intentional spreading within a defined area.

were extended across

Highlights the reach or coverage of something over an area or period.

were apportioned among

Implies a careful and deliberate division and distribution.

were assigned to

Focuses on the act of giving something to specific recipients within a group or area.

were administered throughout

Highlights the managed or controlled distribution of something over a period or area.

were diffused through

Suggests a gradual spreading or permeation throughout something.

were permeated across

Emphasizes the thoroughness and extent of the spreading or diffusion.

FAQs

How can I use "were distributed over" in a sentence?

Use "were distributed over" to indicate that items or resources have been spread or allocated across a particular area or time period. For example, "The leaflets were distributed over the entire town" or "The tasks were distributed over several months".

What phrases are similar to "were distributed over"?

Similar phrases include "were spread across", "were allocated throughout", or "were scattered among", depending on the context and desired emphasis.

Is there a more formal alternative to "were distributed over"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "were apportioned among" or "were administered throughout". These alternatives suggest a more deliberate and controlled allocation.

How does "were distributed over" differ from "were located in"?

"Were distributed over" implies a process of spreading or allocating, whereas "were located in" simply describes the location of items. For example, "The sensors were distributed over the field" suggests they were intentionally placed, while "The sensors were located in the field" merely states their position.