What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scattered
Example
The scattered leaves on the ground made it difficult to walk. [scattered: adjective]
Example
She scattered the seeds in the garden to ensure even growth. [scattered: verb]
sporadic
Example
The company experienced sporadic sales throughout the year. [sporadic: adjective]
Example
He attends the gym sporadically, only when he has free time. [sporadically: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sporadic is less common than scattered in everyday language. Scattered is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while sporadic is more specific and often used in formal or technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scattered and sporadic?
Sporadic is generally considered more formal than scattered. While scattered can be used in both formal and informal contexts, sporadic is more often used in formal or technical writing to describe patterns or occurrences.
