diffuse through

USAGE SUMMARY

"diffuse through" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is spreading or passing through something else. For example, "The aroma of the freshly brewed coffee quickly diffused through the house, waking everyone up."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some ions too do not diffuse through channels.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All these diverse substances are similar in that they can diffuse through the skin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The coenzymes are dissolved in the lipid and diffuse through the membrane or across its surface.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Large polar water-soluble chemicals, such as sugars, however, do not diffuse through the membrane.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gases can diffuse through the small pores present in many materials.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Before nervous systems evolved, the sense-receptor cells signalled to those co-ordinating the response through chemicals (hormones) that diffuse through the body.

The Guardian - Books

For instance, proteins can diffuse through the worm, and change aspects of its behaviour when they do so.

The Economist

Despite the barrier, water, most lipid-soluble molecules, oxygen, and carbon dioxide can diffuse through it readily.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Molecules must diffuse through two barriers to get from blood to the nerve cells of the brain.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This reaction is limited by the rates at which iron and magnesium can diffuse through the garnet and biotite structures.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fe2+ ions and atomic hydrogen (Ho) diffuse through the film.

Electrochimica Acta

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "diffuse through" to describe the movement of substances, ideas, or influences spreading within a medium or structure. For example, "The knowledge diffused through the organization after the training session".

Common error

Avoid using "diffuse through" when describing simple, unobstructed movement. For instance, saying "The light diffused through the open window" is less appropriate than "The light streamed through the open window" because diffusion implies some form of obstruction or interaction with a medium.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "diffuse through" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the process of a substance or entity spreading or permeating within a specific medium. Ludwig shows examples across different domains, supporting its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "diffuse through" is a versatile phrase used to describe the process of spreading or permeating within a medium, as confirmed by Ludwig. It finds frequent application in science, encyclopedias, and news media. The phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, with a neutral to formal register. When using "diffuse through", ensure the context involves gradual movement within a medium rather than simple, unobstructed passage. Ludwig AI analysis confirms the validity and broad applicability of the expression, providing numerous examples to guide usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permeate

Indicates a thorough spread or penetration.

spread across

Emphasizes the extent of coverage rather than the process.

pass through

Focuses on movement from one side to another.

filter through

Suggests a process of selection during the movement.

seep through

Implies a slow, gradual movement.

penetrate

Highlights the act of entering or piercing something.

infiltrate

Suggests a subtle or secretive entry.

percolate through

Implies a gradual filtering process.

travel through

Emphasizes the journey or path taken.

propagate through

Focuses on the generation and spread of something, like a signal.

FAQs

How is "diffuse through" used in scientific writing?

In scientific writing, "diffuse through" often describes the movement of molecules or substances across membranes or within a medium. For example, "Oxygen molecules diffuse through the cell membrane".

What are some synonyms for "diffuse through"?

Alternatives to "diffuse through" include "permeate", "spread across", or "pass through", depending on the context.

What does it mean when something "diffuses through" a barrier?

When a substance "diffuses through" a barrier, it means that it gradually spreads or permeates across that barrier, often due to differences in concentration or pressure.

Is there a difference between "diffuse through" and "spread through"?

"Diffuse through" typically implies a more gradual and molecular-level movement, while "spread through" can refer to a more general or visible dissemination. For example, news might "spread through" a community, while a gas "diffuses through" a room.