be spread among

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be spread among" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe the distribution or dispersal of something among a group or area. Example: The rumors about the new product launch were spread among the employees, causing excitement and anticipation throughout the company.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The burden has to be spread among communities.

The New York Times

The wealth will be spread among a few.

The New York Times

Cuts must be spread among all four military services.

The New York Times

And how should any tax cuts be spread among low-, middle- and high-income taxpayers?

The New York Times

Perhaps scarce bilingual teachers should be spread among more grade levels.

The New York Times

How should awareness about these issues be spread among the masses in India?

The New York Times

This does not matter in a network, where costs can be spread among many users.

The Economist

Equity will be spread among minority shareholders, a rarity in Asia.

The Economist

Other people will come through and the pressure might be spread among a number of athletes when we get there".

The Guardian - Sport

Perhaps that money could be spread among more players or just handed over to clubs as a lump sum.

The Guardian - Sport

That $3 billion difference will be spread among the other 493 companies, producing some buying power for each company's stock.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be spread among" when the distribution is not necessarily equal, but rather aims to cover a wide range or area. Example: "The funding was spread among various research projects." This implies the funds were dispersed to many projects but not necessarily in equal amounts.

Common error

Avoid using other prepositions like "in" or "on" instead of "among". "Be spread in" or "be spread on" have different meanings related to location or surface coverage, not distribution among multiple entities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be spread among" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, indicating how something is distributed or dispersed across multiple entities or locations. This is supported by Ludwig, as the phrase is commonly used to show the distribution of resources, responsibilities, or information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be spread among" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that describes the distribution of something across multiple recipients. As noted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various writing contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific publications, it maintains a neutral register and serves to explain the distribution or allocation of resources, responsibilities, or information. To enhance clarity, ensure the subject is divisible and avoid using incorrect prepositions. Alternatives like "be distributed amongst" or "be allocated to" can be used for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be distributed amongst

Replaces "spread" with "distributed" and uses "amongst" instead of "among", offering a slightly more formal tone.

be shared between

Highlights the collaborative aspect of distributing something, suggesting a joint use or benefit.

be divided between

Focuses on division into distinct parts rather than a general spreading, implying a more structured allocation.

be apportioned among

Suggests a fair or proportional distribution, often based on a specific criterion.

be allocated to

Emphasizes a formal assignment or allotment to specific recipients.

be disseminated throughout

Implies a wider and less targeted distribution, suggesting that something is scattered across a broad area or group.

be dispersed across

Emphasizes scattering or spreading something widely, often in a less organized manner.

be passed around within

Describes a circulation of something within a defined group or boundary.

be given out to

Highlights the act of providing or handing something to multiple recipients.

be rationed among

Suggests a controlled distribution, often due to scarcity or limited availability.

FAQs

How can I use "be spread among" in a sentence?

Use "be spread among" to indicate the distribution of something across multiple recipients or locations. For example, "The responsibilities will "be spread among" the volunteers."

What's a good alternative to "be spread among"?

Alternatives include "be distributed amongst", "be allocated to", or "be shared between", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "among" or "amongst" with "be spread"?

Both "among" and "amongst" are acceptable, but "among" is generally more common in American English, while "amongst" is more frequently used in British English. The meaning remains the same.

What is the difference between "be spread among" and "be divided among"?

"Be spread among" implies a general distribution, while "be divided among" suggests a more structured or equal allocation. For instance, resources can "be spread among" projects, but assets are often "be divided among" heirs.