What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
straggling
Example
The straggling group of hikers finally made it to the top of the mountain. [straggling: adjective]
Example
The flowers were straggling across the garden, with some blooming early and others late. [straggling: present participle]
scattered
Example
The scattered clouds in the sky made for a beautiful sunset. [scattered: adjective]
Example
The books were scattered all over the room, making it difficult to find what I was looking for. [scattered: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scattered is more commonly used than straggling in everyday language. Scattered is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while straggling is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between straggling and scattered?
Both straggling and scattered are relatively informal words, but scattered is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
