ability to spread quickly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to spread quickly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential for something, such as information, a virus, or an idea, to disseminate rapidly. Example: "The ability to spread quickly is a key factor in the success of viral marketing campaigns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

A type of facial tumor has in effect evolved into a parasite, with the ability to spread quickly from one devil to another, killing its victims in a few months.

The New York Times - Science

Many bumble bees form small colonies, Kerr explains, limiting their ability to spread quickly.

Science Magazine

Malicious code has the ability to spread quickly through instant messaging networks, circumventing protection that is put in place to prevent worms and viruses from spreading.

Securing Im and P2P Applications for the Enterprise

Even in minuscule amounts, fake news has a much greater ability to spread quickly and be consumed by many given the nature of the salacious headlines themselves.

TechCrunch

Infections directly transmitted from person to person by the respiratory route have been of special interest for modeling because of their ability to spread quickly and affect large numbers of people.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

One of social media's greatest strengths is its ability to spread information quickly, and we're arguably better informed about world events than we ever have been before.

Independent

Without clean water, diseases are likely to spread quickly.

The Economist

— enabled the fire to spread quickly on Saturday.

The New York Times

The arrival of phosphorus allowed cattails to spread quickly.

Wikipedia

The use of nanotechnology in medicine and more purposely drug delivery is set to spread quickly.

BioMed Research International

When siRNAs are able to spread quickly we observe localized spots around the infection site.

BMC Systems Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like ideas or trends, consider using "ability to spread quickly" to emphasize their viral nature and potential impact.

Common error

Avoid using "ability to spread quickly" in overly casual conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound unnecessarily formal. Opt for simpler phrases like "spreads fast" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to spread quickly" functions as a noun phrase that describes a characteristic or capability. It's often used to highlight the potential for rapid dissemination or propagation of something, as demonstrated in examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ability to spread quickly" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the potential for rapid dissemination. Ludwig shows it's frequently found in news, scientific, and business contexts, suggesting a formal to neutral register. While the phrase is usable in written English, it's important to consider the context and audience to determine if a simpler alternative might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity for rapid dissemination

Emphasizes the potential for something to be widely distributed in a short amount of time; more formal.

potential for swift propagation

Highlights the possibility of something quickly increasing or multiplying; suggests a more technical context.

aptitude for expeditious transmission

Focuses on the natural skill or suitability for fast conveyance; more formal and technical.

tendency to proliferate rapidly

Suggests an inherent inclination to increase or spread quickly; often used in biological contexts.

facility for accelerated diffusion

Implies an ease or smoothness in spreading quickly; suitable for describing the spread of ideas or innovations.

power to propagate swiftly

Emphasizes the force or strength behind the rapid spread; suitable for both tangible and intangible phenomena.

capability for quick expansion

Focuses on the potential for rapid growth or enlargement; often used in business or organizational contexts.

propensity for immediate dissemination

Highlights a natural inclination for instant distribution; suggests a readiness to spread without delay.

skill at fast distribution

Focuses on the learned competence or expertise in spreading something quickly; more human-centric.

ease of rapid propagation

Emphasizes the lack of difficulty in spreading something quickly; suggests a natural or inherent quality.

FAQs

How can I use "ability to spread quickly" in a sentence?

You can use "ability to spread quickly" to describe the potential of something, like information or a disease, to disseminate rapidly. For example: "The virus's "ability to spread quickly" made it a global threat".

What are some alternatives to "ability to spread quickly"?

Alternatives include "capacity for rapid dissemination", "potential for swift propagation", or "aptitude for expeditious transmission", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "ability to spread quickly" and "spreads quickly"?

"Ability to spread quickly" refers to the potential or inherent capacity for rapid dissemination. "Spreads quickly" describes an action that is currently happening or has happened rapidly. The first refers to a capability, while the second refers to an action.

When is it appropriate to use "ability to spread quickly" in formal writing?

It is appropriate to use "ability to spread quickly" in formal writing when you want to emphasize the inherent potential or capacity of something to disseminate or propagate rapidly. This phrase is particularly useful in scientific, business, or academic contexts where precision is important.