Scattered over/at sea

Question

Eileen wanted her ashes to be scattered at/over sea.Hi,Can I use both at and over in the above to convey the same meaning? If not, can you tell me why? Thanks.

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

Only 'at sea' sounds OK.
Because that's what people almost always say.

Clive

Angliholic · Answer

Thanks, Clive.
What about "scattered over the sea?" Does it sound right?

Clive · Answer

Hi,

What do you mean by 'right'?

Clive

Dimsumexpress · Answer

AngliholicWhat about "scattered over the sea?" Does it sound right?

No, not if you want to practice good English.

Mister Micawber · Answer

As Clive says, 'scattered at sea' is the collocation. I see nothing wrong with 'scattered over the sea', though COCA's single example does not refer to ashes. On the other hand, COCA offers only 5 examples for 'at sea':

...connection to the sea than to have one's children's or relative's ashes scattered at sea, and anybody who has heard the Navy hymn
...world in their day, most notably the British Navy. Their ashes will be scattered at sea. They've taken several wreaths with them onboard
...and eight Wimbledon Singles championships. She had no survivors. Her ashes will be scattered at sea. She was 92 years old.
....Dietrich, Lars and Sasha with Lazarro's ashes being scattered at sea.
...important to Evan that he have his... his ashes... scattered at sea? " Dee looked uncomfortable at the subject

...Delve sailed in close company, and beyond them the rest of the fleet was scattered over the sea. As we bobbed up and down, their lanterns seemed to

Clive · Answer

Hi,

You might also be interested in the standard expression 'buried at sea', which deals with bodies rather than ashes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burial_at_sea

Clive

Angliholic · Answer

Thanks to all for your help

Scattered over/at sea

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