is spread across

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is spread across" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is distributed or spread out over a large area, space, or time. Example: The company's headquarters is spread across three different buildings in the downtown area. In this example, "is spread across" is used to convey that the headquarters is located in different buildings that are not in close proximity to each other.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

His portfolio is spread across many economies.

The New York Times

That problem is spread across the entire United States".

The New York Times

"But the cost is spread across half the world's population.

The Guardian

Like Rome, Cagliari is spread across seven hills.

Independent

An array of magazines, ranging from Q to Ugly Things, is spread across the counter.

The New York Times

Others say this function is spread across different parts of the brain.

The Guardian

The property is spread across 29 towns in Fairfield, Litchfield, New Haven and Hartford Counties.

The New York Times

His family is spread across the front line and the world.

The New York Times

But the money is spread across an ever-growing inventory of web pages.

The Economist

Supply is spread across both oceans, even as demand is concentrated in Asia.

The Economist

The liquid is spread across the top of an image sensor.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the distribution of resources or responsibilities, use "is spread across" to indicate a deliberate allocation across different areas or individuals. This suggests a considered approach to distribution.

Common error

Avoid using "is spread across" when describing something uniformly distributed. Opt for alternatives like "covers" or "permeates" to better reflect the nature of the distribution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is spread across" functions as a verbal phrase, specifically a passive construction, indicating that something is distributed or extended over a particular area or group. As shown in Ludwig, it effectively describes how something is dispersed among different entities or locations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is spread across" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verbal phrase that describes the distribution or extent of something over a specific area or among a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate across diverse contexts, including news, scientific writing, and formal communications. Its neutral register and wide applicability make it a versatile choice for conveying how resources, features, or effects are allocated or dispersed. While alternatives like "is distributed over" or "extends over" exist, "is spread across" effectively communicates a deliberate and often even distribution. Therefore, understanding its function and context is crucial for effective writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is distributed over

Focuses on the act of distributing something across an area, highlighting a planned or systematic allocation.

is scattered throughout

Emphasizes a random or less organized distribution within a given space or population.

is diffused across

Suggests a gradual and even dispersal, often used in scientific or technical contexts.

extends over

Indicates the physical range or reach of something across a defined area or duration.

covers

Implies a comprehensive inclusion or scope that encompasses a particular region or topic.

is prevalent throughout

Highlights the widespread presence or common occurrence of something in a specific area or group.

permeates through

Suggests that something gradually penetrates or spreads into every part of something else.

is dispersed among

Focuses on scattering something across various separate entities or locations.

is rife within

Conveys the sense that something is abundant and often negatively pervasive throughout a particular region or group.

encompasses

Highlights an area or a set of elements is included or contained within something else.

FAQs

How can I use "is spread across" in a sentence?

You can use "is spread across" to describe how something is distributed over an area or a group. For example, "The workload "is spread across" the team" or "The city "is spread across" several hills".

What can I say instead of "is spread across"?

You can use alternatives like "is distributed over", "is scattered throughout", or "extends over" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "is spread over" instead of "is spread across"?

While "is spread over" is also grammatically correct, it often implies a covering or layering effect. "Is spread across" suggests a distribution across multiple points or a wider area.

What's the difference between "is spread across" and "is scattered across"?

"Is spread across" typically implies a more intentional or even distribution, while "is scattered across" suggests a more random or haphazard distribution.