being able to spread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being able to spread" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the capability or potential to disseminate information, ideas, or something physical. Example: "The new technology is being able to spread awareness about environmental issues more effectively than ever before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"I liked being able to spread out.

The New York Times

ANOTHER WEEKLY If you are a stand-alone property like TV Guide, which is owned by OpenGate Capital, being able to spread back-office and production costs over another weekly would have significant upsides.

The New York Times

Being able to spread a message through imagery that I created.

Forbes

First, Levitin finds that being able to spread the cards out in space is useful for the "active sorting" prioritization that he and many HSPs practice.

Forbes

Researchers had confirmed that the species could be infected with Zika and that the virus could multiply and infect the mosquito's saliva a requirement for it being able to spread the virus.

Science Magazine

It's really about being able to spread to more cities, and be written as part of the national lending guidelines so that we can be an accepted source of down payment funds everywhere.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Would these "social referents" be able to spread social change?

Princeton University

Nice to be able to spread a little joy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

From there it was able to spread, through interconnected waterways, to Massachusetts and Vermont.

Columbia University

Oh frabjous day to be able to spread good cheer and wealth to all.

The Guardian - Business

My question is: would I be able to spread my mortgage over 15 years?

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being able to spread" to emphasize the capability or potential for dissemination, rather than simply the act of spreading.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where the actor responsible for "being able to spread" is obscured. Active voice typically provides a more direct and impactful message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being able to spread" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It highlights the capability or potential for something to be disseminated. As shown by Ludwig, it appears in various contexts, showcasing this ability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

24%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being able to spread" is a versatile gerund phrase that signifies the capability or potential for dissemination. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including News & Media and Science. While adaptable, it's important to ensure clarity by specifying what is being spread and avoiding overuse of passive voice. Alternatives like "having the capacity to disseminate" may provide more formal options, but "being able to spread" remains a generally applicable and understandable phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to propagate

A shorter and more direct way of expressing the ability to spread or multiply something.

capable of distributing

Focuses on the competence and readiness to distribute resources or information effectively.

having the capacity to disseminate

Emphasizes the inherent ability or potential to distribute information or ideas.

having the facility to circulate

Emphasizes the ease and efficiency of spreading something, often related to information or resources.

having the power to disseminate

Emphasizes the authority and capability to spread information widely.

possessing the skill to propagate

Highlights the expertise or proficiency in spreading or multiplying something, often in a biological context.

with the ability to proliferate

Highlights the capacity to increase rapidly or multiply something.

in a position to diffuse

Highlights the favorable situation or opportunity to spread or disseminate something.

with the means to transmit

Focuses on possessing the necessary resources or tools to convey or spread something.

being in a condition to extend

Focuses on the state of readiness and capability to expand or spread something.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "being able to spread"?

You can use alternatives like "having the capacity to disseminate", "capable of distributing", or "able to propagate" depending on the context.

How to use "being able to spread" in a sentence?

Use "being able to spread" when you want to emphasize the capability or potential for something to be disseminated. For instance, "The internet is crucial for "being able to spread" information quickly".

Is "being able to spread" formal or informal?

"Being able to spread" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "being able to spread" and "being allowed to spread"?

"Being able to spread" refers to the capability or capacity to disseminate something, while "being allowed to spread" implies permission or authorization to do so. The former is about ability, the latter about permission.