continuing to spread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "continuing to spread" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing process of dissemination or growth, often in contexts related to information, trends, or diseases. Example: "The virus is continuing to spread across the region, prompting health officials to take action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

I see jihadists continuing to spread.

The New York Times

As a result, the trend is continuing to spread.

The Economist

"They are continuing to spread the virus," he said.

The New York Times

Six sites of cancer, and they were continuing to spread — to replicate — across my father's brain.

The New Yorker

But nodes are continuing to spread throughout the city and the country.

The New York Times

The backlash to Black Lives Matter is continuing to spread across the country.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

The swelling continued to spread.

The New Yorker

The unrest continues to spread.

The Economist

Mr. Schick's influence continues to spread.

The New York Times - Arts

McDonald's and Starbucks continue to spread.

The New York Times

Demonstrations continued to spread across the country.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the expansion of abstract concepts or trends, use "continuing to spread" to convey momentum and active dissemination. For example, "The idea of sustainable living is continuing to spread among younger generations".

Common error

Avoid using "continuing to spread" when the context already implies continuous action. For example, instead of saying "The fire was continuing to spread rapidly," consider "The fire spread rapidly" if the continuous nature is understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continuing to spread" functions as a progressive verb phrase, indicating an ongoing action. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in describing the dissemination of various phenomena, from diseases to ideas, reflecting its role in portraying processes in motion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "continuing to spread" is a versatile and commonly used expression that describes an ongoing process of dissemination or expansion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts, most notably in news and media, scientific publications, and formal business communications. Its neutral register allows for broad application, while related phrases offer nuanced alternatives. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that its continuous aspect isn't redundant, enhancing clarity and impact in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persistently spreading

Emphasizes the tenacity or unwavering nature of the spreading action.

steadily disseminating

Focuses on the gradual and consistent distribution of something.

progressively propagating

Highlights the step-by-step advancement of the spreading process.

ceaselessly extending

Stresses the uninterrupted and limitless nature of the spread.

incessantly broadening

Emphasizes the constant increase in scope or coverage.

relentlessly expanding

Implies a forceful and determined increase in size or influence.

uninterrupted diffusion

Highlights the continuous and unimpeded dispersal of something.

constantly pervading

Indicates a continuous and widespread influence or presence.

remaining pervasive

Focuses on something's ongoing and widespread effect.

further disseminating

This version puts emphasis on the dissemination or spread further of something.

FAQs

How can I use "continuing to spread" in a sentence?

Use "continuing to spread" to describe something that is actively expanding or disseminating. For example, "Misinformation is "continuing to spread" online, requiring fact-checking efforts".

What are some alternatives to "continuing to spread"?

Alternatives include "persistently spreading", "steadily disseminating", or "progressively propagating", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "continue to spread" instead of "continuing to spread"?

Yes, "continue to spread" is also correct and expresses a similar meaning. The choice depends on the desired emphasis; "continuing to spread" highlights the ongoing nature of the action, while "continue to spread" simply indicates that the action persists. Both are grammatically acceptable.

What's the difference between "continuing to spread" and "further disseminating"?

"Continuing to spread" implies an ongoing process, while "further disseminating" suggests an additional effort to distribute something that has already been spread to some extent. The first is about a process already in place and the latter is about enhancing the outreach.