fan out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'fan out' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase typically means 'to spread out in a gradual, outward pattern', and is often used in reference to physical objects or an abstract concept in a metaphorical or figurative way. For example: The students fanned out across the school grounds, eager to explore the new environment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The mourning today seemed to fan out in circles.

The New York Times

As the tones shift, split apart, and fan out, surprising shapes emerge.

The New Yorker

Unofficial poll monitors will quietly fan out to check for any obvious hanky-panky.

The Economist

From the pterylae the feathers fan out and cover the remainder of the bird's body.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On Tuesday, Aipac's supporters will fan out across Capitol Hill to lobby for continued American support.

The New York Times

After the demonstration, the students will fan out and visit the offices of City Council members.

The New York Times

At 7 a.m. sharp they fan out to sample fields.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

A circuit with a smaller fan-out is in general faster and occupies less VLSI area.

Journal of Parallel and Distributed Computing

We have designed two methods to overcome fan-out growth: 'two-phase' rotation and 'swing' rotation.

Thin Film Growth Physics, Materials Science and Applications

Indeed, the fan-out in Figure 1 is really a function of space-time.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

This can be explained as there are no drugs on the fan-out of these genes to rectify the fault.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fan out" to describe a strategic deployment of resources or people across an area, or when describing a physical spreading in a specific, widening pattern. For example, "The search party fanned out across the forest."

Common error

Avoid using "fan out" when a simpler verb like 'spread' or 'disperse' would suffice. "Fan out" implies a deliberate, widening distribution, not just any kind of movement. For example, don't say "The crowd fanned out after the concert" if they simply dispersed in various directions without a specific pattern.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "fan out" functions primarily as an intransitive verb, describing how something or someone spreads outward from a central point. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and acceptable phrase in English. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing both physical movement and abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

23%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fan out" is a versatile phrasal verb that vividly describes the act of spreading outward from a central point. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly used. While it appears frequently in news and media, it also finds applications in scientific writing and more informal settings. Use it to depict strategic deployments or physical expansions, but avoid it in situations where simpler terms like ""spread out"" or "disperse" would be more appropriate. Remember that it implies a deliberate, widening distribution, not just any movement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spread out

Focuses on the spatial distribution of elements over a wider area, similar to a physical expansion.

disperse

Emphasizes the act of scattering in different directions, losing cohesion.

radiate

Suggests an outward movement from a central point, often with an implication of energy or influence.

extend outwards

Highlights the directional movement away from a center, emphasizing length or reach.

expand

Indicates an increase in size or scope, often in all directions.

branch out

Implies diversification from a main path or area, creating new directions or interests.

scatter

Describes a random distribution over an area, often quickly and without order.

diverge

Focuses on splitting apart from a common point, moving in separate directions.

unfold

Suggests a gradual revealing or expansion, similar to opening a fan.

splay

Highlights an outward spreading, often in an ungainly or awkward manner.

FAQs

How to use "fan out" in a sentence?

The phrase "fan out" is used to describe the action of spreading out from a central point, often in a strategic or organized manner. For example, "The police officers "spread out" across the park to search for the missing child."

What can I say instead of "fan out"?

You can use alternatives like ""spread out"", "disperse", or "extend outwards" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "fan out" or "fanned out"?

"Fan out" is the base form of the verb, while "fanned out" is the past tense and past participle. The correct choice depends on the tense of your sentence. For example: "The protesters will fan out after the speech" versus "The protesters fanned out after the speech".

What's the difference between "fan out" and "branch out"?

"Fan out" implies a widening spread from a point, whereas "branch out" suggests diversification or development in new directions. For example, a company might "branch out" into new markets, while soldiers might "fan out" across a field.