are spread with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are spread with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that has been covered or coated with a substance, typically in a culinary context. Example: "The toast is spread with butter and topped with jam."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The red pizzas are spread with homemade tomato sauce; toppings include sausage, meatballs, pepperoni and cremini mushrooms.

The New York Times

The baseband modulated symbols of user k are spread with a flock of element codes represented as Fig. 1 Block diagram of MC CC-CDMA system using parallel interference cancellation {C}^{ k)} = {left[{C}_1^{ k)}, kern1em {C}_2^{(k)}, dots {C}_N^{ k)}right]}^T, (1 where k = 1,2,…,K, and n = 1,2,…,N.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

He has a brief courtship display in which the neck is extended and the head held down, the tail is fanned, and the wings are spread with the tips touching the ground.

Wikipedia

However, HAdV-A31 may also be transmitted easily in a nosocomial setting between immunosuppressed patients, as high amounts of HAdV-A31 are spread with faeces [ 23].

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

McMansions are spreading with oil-spill deliberation all over the nation, of course, but here we have a special reason for alarm.

The New York Times

Deserts are spreading with increasing speed on every continent.

Huffington Post

The glue should be spread with an applicator in thin layers on both surfaces.

The New York Times

A table is spread with a biomorphic array of rocks, roots and fossils.

The Guardian

The lamb is spread with a layer of ground parsley, garlic, chives and pine nuts.

The New York Times - Food

Word of the president's dawn arrival was spread with the sound of celebratory gunfire.

The Guardian

Kaba's table is spread with khaki-coloured powders and brown pellets.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are spread with", ensure the substance being spread is appropriate to the object. For example, "bread is spread with butter" is common, but "walls are spread with butter" is unusual.

Common error

Avoid using "are spread with" when a more precise verb like "coated", "covered", or "smeared" would better convey the intended meaning. The context should imply a thin, even distribution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are spread with" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of being covered or distributed with something. Ludwig AI examples show its use in describing how food items and other surfaces receive a coating of a substance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are spread with" is a grammatically sound passive verb phrase used to describe a thin and even distribution of a substance over a surface. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and suitable for use in written English, particularly in describing food preparation and scientific processes. While not exceedingly common, its usage is clear and contributes effectively to descriptive writing. Common contexts include news, media, and science. Consider using synonyms like "are coated with" or "are covered in" for variety and nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are coated with

Focuses on covering a surface with a layer of a substance, emphasizing the completeness of the covering.

are covered in

Implies a complete or extensive covering, often suggesting a thick layer.

are layered with

Highlights the application of something in successive layers.

are smeared with

Suggests a less precise and more uneven application.

are daubed with

Implies a rough or thick application of something.

are topped with

Focuses on the addition of something on the upper surface.

are lined with

Indicates covering the inner surface of something.

are treated with

Focuses on application for protective or functional purposes.

are imbued with

Suggests saturating something with a quality or substance.

are suffused with

Implies a gradual spreading or permeation.

FAQs

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

Use "are spread with" to describe something being covered with a thin layer of a substance. For example, "The pizzas are spread with homemade tomato sauce".

What's a good alternative to "are spread with"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "are coated with", "are covered in", or "are smeared with".

Which is correct, "are spread with" or "are covered with"?

Both phrases are correct, but "are spread with" implies a thinner, more even distribution, while "are covered with" suggests a more complete or thicker covering.

When should I use "are spread with" versus "are layered with"?

"Are spread with" is suitable when describing a thin, even application. Use "are layered with" if you're describing multiple applications or distinct layers of a substance.