it spread over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it spread over" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the action of something extending or covering a particular area or surface. Example: "The news of the festival spread over the entire town, bringing excitement to everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Despite its wealth the kingdom has spent less on its favoured rebel groups than Iran has on propping up the regime of Bashar Assad; what it has spent it spread over too many groups, failing to co-ordinate its efforts with others.Things may be changing.

The Economist

It spread over much of the city, damaging the cathedral and delaying its construction.

Wikipedia

Not only is it spread over three years, but more than half of it is not due to happen until 2001-02.

The Economist

The lavas that produced it spread over farms and into town and threatened to enter and destroy Iceland's most important fishing harbor.

The New Yorker

Then, as the news grew more serious, it spread over the day, absorbing the attention of the media as the true scale of the horror became apparent.

Independent

Screenwriters argue that their labors generally create programming that has very high value — value that would seem to multiply as it spread over more platforms.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

It spreads over two handsome floors and, most important, has a menu that lets you know you're in Iceland.

The New York Times - Travel

In CSAR, each content has its special content-scent and can be found by tracing the scent it spreads over the network.

Computer Communications

As the desired boundary conditions are only enforced directly in a volume average sense scope of it spreads over a computing cell.

Journal of Computational Physics

Network theorists usually approach this problem by adding information to the network at a certain node and then watching how it spreads over time.

MIT Technology Review

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Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it spread over" to describe the expansion of something across a surface or area. Ensure that the subject clearly indicates what is spreading and the object specifies where it is spreading.

Common error

Avoid using "it spread over" in contexts where the spread is not physical or spatial. For example, instead of saying 'The news spread over the internet,' consider 'The news circulated rapidly on the internet'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it spread over" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of something expanding or extending across a particular area. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, as shown in the examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it spread over" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe the expansion or coverage of something across an area. As Ludwig AI confirms, it finds use in a variety of contexts, including news, science, and general descriptions. While "it spread over" is generally neutral in tone, understanding its specific meaning and choosing appropriate synonyms like "it expanded across" or "it covered" can further enhance clarity and precision. A common mistake is using the phrase in abstract contexts, where alternatives may be more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it covered

A simpler and more direct way to express the idea of something spreading over an area.

it expanded across

Focuses on the geographical extent of the spread.

it swept through

Implies a rapid and forceful spread, like a wave.

it extended throughout

Emphasizes the completeness of the spread, covering the entire area.

it permeated through

Suggests a more thorough and pervasive spread, implying penetration.

it diffused across

Implies a gradual and even spread, like a gas dispersing.

it proliferated over

Suggests a rapid and abundant spread, often used for living organisms or ideas.

it radiated outwards from

Implies a spread from a central point, like waves.

it unfolded across

Suggests a gradual reveal or development over an area.

it cascaded down

Emphasizes the downward direction and abundance of the spread.

FAQs

How can I use "it spread over" in a sentence?

Use "it spread over" to describe something expanding across an area. For example, "The fire spread over the forest" or "The influence of the culture spread over the region."

What are some alternatives to "it spread over"?

You can use alternatives like "it expanded across", "it covered", or "it extended throughout" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "it spread over" and "it spread across"?

While similar, "it spread over" typically implies covering a surface, while "it spread across" suggests moving from one side to the other. The choice depends on the specific action you're describing.

When should I use "it spread throughout" instead of "it spread over"?

"It spread throughout" is best used when something permeates an entire space or object, while "it spread over" suggests covering a surface. For example, "The rumor spread throughout the office" versus "The stain spread over the carpet."