has spread

USAGE SUMMARY

"has spread" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is the present perfect tense form of the verb "to spread" and is used to describe an action that started in the past and is still ongoing in the present. You can use "has spread" in a sentence when talking about the spread of something, such as a disease, information, or an idea. For example: - The virus has spread quickly throughout the country. - The news of the protest has spread to neighboring cities. - The popularity of the new restaurant has spread through word of mouth.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

That trend has spread.

The Economist

Contagion has spread, too.

The New York Times

The shellshock has spread.

The New York Times - Sports

Word has spread further.

The New York Times

Democracy has spread.

The Economist

Word has spread.

The New York Times

And the iciness has spread.

The Economist

Instead, the outrage has spread.

The New Yorker

Now the trend has spread.

The Economist

What if it has spread?

The New Yorker

And the damage has spread.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has spread", ensure the subject clearly indicates what is being disseminated. For example, specify "the rumor has spread" rather than simply saying "it has spread".

Common error

Avoid using "has spread" with an unclear or implied subject. Always make the subject explicit to prevent ambiguity and ensure clarity in your writing. Instead of "the issue has spread", specify "the issue of misinformation has spread rapidly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has spread" functions as a verb phrase indicating a completed action with ongoing relevance. It is the present perfect form of the verb "spread", indicating that something has been distributed or become prevalent. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has spread" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase indicating the dissemination or expansion of something from the past to the present. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It is versatile, appearing in various contexts from news and media to scientific and formal writing. While widely applicable, it's best practice to use it with a clear subject to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "has expanded" or "has disseminated" can offer nuanced meanings depending on the specific context. Given its widespread use and clear grammatical function, "has spread" remains a reliable and effective phrase in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has become widespread

Replaces the verb with an adjective phrase, emphasizing the extent of distribution rather than the action of spreading.

has expanded

Uses "expanded" to emphasize growth in size or scope, differing from the general dissemination implied by "spread".

has disseminated

Focuses on the act of distributing something widely, contrasting with the natural progression implied by "spread".

is now prevalent

Shifts the focus to the current state of being common or widespread, rather than the process of spreading.

has proliferated

Emphasizes rapid increase in number or amount, unlike the broader sense of "spread".

has propagated

Highlights the transmission or reproduction of something, differing from the general movement of "spread".

has diffused

Suggests a gradual dispersion from a central point, unlike the potentially rapid action of "spread".

has extended

Focuses on reaching a greater area or duration, varying from the general distribution of "spread".

has permeated

Implies a thorough saturation or penetration, differing from the surface-level implication of "spread".

has unfolded

Describes a gradual revelation or development, unlike the active dispersion suggested by "spread".

FAQs

How can I use "has spread" in a sentence?

Use "has spread" to describe something that started in the past and continues to be distributed or prevalent now. For example, "The news of the acquisition "has spread" quickly through the company".

What are some alternatives to "has spread"?

Alternatives include "has expanded", "has proliferated", or "has disseminated" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "had spread" instead of "has spread"?

While both are grammatically correct, "had spread" indicates that the spreading occurred and was completed in the past, while "has spread" implies that the effects or the spreading action are still relevant or ongoing.

What's the difference between "has spread" and "is spreading"?

"Has spread" indicates a completed action with present relevance, whereas "is spreading" describes an action that is currently in progress. For instance, "The disease "has spread" throughout the region" versus "The disease "is spreading" rapidly".