sprawl over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sprawl over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that extends or spreads out over a large area, often in a disorganized or uncontrolled manner. Example: "The city began to sprawl over the surrounding countryside, consuming farmland and natural habitats."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Not everyone has a 15-foot glass wall for such a wonderful monster to sprawl over, not to mention the drop in temperature it needs every night.

The New York Times

What they are putting together in Bloomington is a $600-million "Mall of America" that will sprawl over 4.2 million acres and offer up to 800 places to spend your money, everything from major department stores, restaurants, nightclubs and movie theaters to a miniature golf course and a health club.

Los Angeles Times

The complex is set to sprawl over three hundred and seventy acres when it's completed.

The New Yorker

The penthouse will sprawl over five levels and have a private elevator.

The New York Times

The proposed memorial would not sprawl over the entire site, as some critics have maintained.

The New York Times

— sprawl over six peaks and ridges that are served by 33 lifts.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

I was writing articles and giving talks on the effects of global warming and carbon pollution, while cars were helping to pave the way to encroaching sprawl, over-development and McMansions.

Huffington Post

SCENERY Amman was originally built, like Rome, on seven hills, but now sprawls over 19.

The New York Times

The inn sprawls over a wide area.

The Guardian - Travel

Shoes are off; bare legs are sprawled over other legs.

The New York Times

The site now sprawls over 43 platforms, overground and underground.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sprawl over", ensure the subject is something that can physically extend or spread. For abstract concepts, consider alternative phrases like "extend to" or "encompass".

Common error

Avoid using "sprawl over" to describe abstract concepts or situations that cannot physically spread. Instead of saying "The problem sprawled over several departments", use "The problem extended to several departments" for greater clarity and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sprawl over" is that of a phrasal verb. As per Ludwig AI, it describes the action of extending or spreading out in an irregular or uncontrolled manner. It typically requires a subject that can physically occupy space.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "sprawl over" is used to describe something that extends or spreads out across an area, often in an uncontrolled or irregular way. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, with examples found across various contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedias. While generally neutral in tone, it's advisable to use it with subjects that can physically spread and consider alternatives like "extend over" or "spread across" for abstract concepts. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media sources, indicating its accessibility and descriptive utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spread across

Indicates a distribution over an area, similar to "sprawl over" but with a slightly more even connotation.

extend over

Suggests reaching or stretching across, conveying a sense of length or duration unlike the area covered.

cover extensively

Implies a thorough encompassing, emphasizing the degree of coverage rather than the physical spread.

spread out across

Emphasizes the dispersal aspect of covering an area, adding a nuance of distribution.

stretch across

Highlights the linear dimension of the spread, focusing on the act of extending from one point to another.

expand across

Focuses on the growth and enlargement aspect of covering an area, suggesting an increase in size.

blanket

Implies a complete covering, likening it to a blanket covering something entirely.

overlay

Suggests placing one thing on top of another, differing from "sprawl over" which implies a more lateral spread.

permeate through

Implies a spreading or penetration throughout something, conveying a sense of influence or presence.

overrun

Suggests rapid and uncontrolled spreading, often with negative connotations of overwhelming or invading.

FAQs

How can I use "sprawl over" in a sentence?

You can use "sprawl over" to describe something that spreads out in an uncontrolled way. For example: "The city began to "sprawl over" the surrounding countryside."

What does "sprawl over" mean?

"Sprawl over" means to spread out awkwardly or carelessly. It often implies that something is expanding in an unplanned or ungainly manner.

What are some alternatives to "sprawl over"?

Alternatives to "sprawl over" include "spread across", "extend over", or "cover extensively", depending on the context.

Is "sprawl over" formal or informal?

"Sprawl over" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it might be more common in descriptive writing than in highly formal documents.