over the spread of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "over the spread of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the extent or impact of something, often in contexts related to information, influence, or phenomena. Example: "The researchers were concerned about the misinformation circulating over the spread of the virus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Residents were distraught over the spread of coal mining in the Upper Hunter.

The New York Times - Magazine

At least six lawsuits have been filed over the spread of the XCP vulnerability, he says.

MIT Technology Review

It was prosecuted by the British because of a deep anxiety over the spread of American democratic republicanism.

The New York Times - Magazine

BHM59 reconstructed temperature are shown dark green while BHM13 appear in light green over the spread of model run.

Nature

Investors remain cautious amid renewed eurozone fears, the falling oil price and worries over the spread of Ebola.

Independent

Facebook's plan for combating fake news, a response to mounting criticism over the spread of misinformation, particularly during the US presidential election, is theoretically relatively simple.

The Guardian - Tech

Government officials tried to reassure the public, many of them farmers already reeling from the panic over the spread of mad cow and foot-and-mouth diseases.

The New York Times

Perhaps out of nervousness over the spread of views like this, in recent days Buena Vista had kept publicity about the movie under unusually tight wraps.

The New York Times

Indeed, Mr. Sharon took pains during his Moscow trip to say that the two nations were "united in our concern over the spread of Islamic terrorism".

The New York Times

The documents also raise new questions about Facebook, which is already grappling with intense criticism over the spread of Russian propaganda and fake news.

The New York Times

Though there were financial issues at stake in the strike, the teachers' rallying cry was over the spread of publicly funded but privately operated charter schools.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "over the spread of", ensure the context clearly indicates concern or awareness regarding the increasing extent or influence of something, such as a disease, idea, or technology.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "over the spread of" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "about" or "regarding" for everyday discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "over the spread of" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically introduces a noun or noun phrase, indicating concern, coverage or extent related to a particular phenomenon. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

19%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "over the spread of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to express concern or highlight the increasing reach of a particular phenomenon. Ludwig confirms its proper and frequent usage across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and encyclopedic sources. While grammatically sound, it's important to consider the context and choose simpler alternatives in informal settings. Its prevalence in authoritative sources underscores its reliability for formal communication. The phrase often conveys a sense of worry or attention regarding the increasing extent of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding the expansion of

Focuses on the act of something becoming larger or more extensive.

concerning the dissemination of

Emphasizes the act of distributing or spreading something widely.

with respect to the proliferation of

Highlights the rapid increase in number or extent.

in relation to the expansion of

Indicates a connection or association with something growing.

about the escalation of

Focuses on the increase in intensity or seriousness of something.

regarding the reach of

Emphasizes the extent or scope that something covers.

concerning the advancement of

Highlights the forward movement or progress of something.

in connection with the propagation of

Emphasizes the act of spreading or promoting something widely.

with respect to the diffusion of

Highlights the process of something becoming widely spread.

about the permeation of

Focuses on the gradual spreading or penetration of something throughout.

FAQs

How can I use "over the spread of" in a sentence?

Use "over the spread of" when you want to express concern or highlight the increasing reach or influence of something. For example, "There is growing concern over the spread of misinformation online."

What are some alternatives to "over the spread of"?

Alternatives include "regarding the expansion of", "concerning the dissemination of", or "with respect to the proliferation of", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "over the spread of", or are there simpler options?

While "over the spread of" is grammatically correct, simpler options like "about" or "concerning" may be more appropriate in informal contexts. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and precision.

What is the difference between "over the spread of" and "regarding the spread of"?

Both phrases are similar, but "over the spread of" often implies a sense of worry or concern about the increasing reach or influence of something, while "regarding the spread of" is more neutral.