are spread out

USAGE SUMMARY

"are spread out" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use this phrase to describe a situation in which something is scattered or separated in a wide area. For example, "The abandoned houses are spread out across the countryside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The top trainers are spread out geographically.

The New York Times - Sports

LP are spread out more widely.

The New York Times

Now people are spread out without shelter.

The Guardian

These tracks are spread out through charge diffusion processes.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

Instead those winds are spread out over a wider distance.

The Guardian

Wet clothes are spread out on bushes and stones.

The Guardian

These are spread out throughout different neighborhoods in D.C.

The Washington Post

More than a dozen machines are spread out in two rooms.

The New York Times

The girls are spread out across the floor and are practicing ballet's first position.

The New Yorker

The few known cases are spread out in a wide area around Shanghai.

The New York Times

Paper and plastic items are spread out on a conveyor belt in a single layer.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are spread out", ensure the subject clearly indicates what is being dispersed. For instance, "The responsibilities are spread out among the team members" clarifies the distribution.

Common error

Avoid using "is spread out" when referring to multiple items. The correct form is "are spread out" for plural subjects. Example: "The books are spread out on the table", not "The books is spread out on the table".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are spread out" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of being dispersed or distributed. It's used to describe how things or people are arranged or located across an area or among a group. Ludwig AI confirms its general usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

34%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are spread out" is a versatile and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the distribution or dispersion of items, people, or even abstract concepts. Ludwig AI validates its usability, highlighting its neutral register suitable for various contexts, from academic and scientific writing to news reporting. The phrase functions primarily to describe spatial distribution or allocation, providing clarity on the arrangement of the subject. Common errors, such as incorrect subject-verb agreement, should be avoided. Alternative phrases like "are scattered around" or "are distributed across" can be used depending on the desired nuance. With its frequent occurrence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, mastering the use of "are spread out" is beneficial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are scattered around

Focuses on random distribution over an area; slightly emphasizes lack of order compared to "are spread out".

are dispersed throughout

Implies a wider, less concentrated distribution; more formal than "are spread out".

are distributed across

Suggests a deliberate arrangement or allocation; less casual than "are spread out".

are scattered across

Highlights the random and uneven distribution; similar to "are scattered around" but with broader scope.

are diffused over

Emphasizes a gradual and even distribution, often implying a blending effect.

are arrayed across

Suggests a deliberate or organized arrangement, often in a visually pleasing manner.

are dotted around

Implies small, distinct items scattered in various places; more visual and less formal.

are peppered throughout

Suggests a sparse but noticeable distribution, like pepper sprinkled on food.

are sprinkled across

Similar to 'are peppered throughout', but potentially covering a larger area or number of instances.

are propagated through

Indicates that a phenomenon is growing or spreading via medium, which may also be metaphorical.

FAQs

How can I use "are spread out" in a sentence?

Use "are spread out" to describe items or entities that are distributed over an area or among a group. For example, "The stores "are spread out" across the city" or "The tasks "are spread out" among the volunteers".

What are some alternatives to using "are spread out"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "are scattered around", "are distributed across", or "are dispersed throughout".

Is it correct to say "is spread out" instead of "are spread out"?

The correctness depends on the subject. Use "is spread out" with singular subjects (e.g., "The workload is spread out"). Use "are spread out" with plural subjects (e.g., "The documents are spread out").

What's the difference between "are spread out" and "are scattered"?

While both indicate dispersion, "are scattered" often implies a more random or uneven distribution, whereas "are spread out" can suggest a more even or intentional distribution, though not necessarily.