spread

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "spread" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a verb, noun, or adjective. Examples: Verb: The virus quickly spread across the country. Noun: The spread of the virus has caused panic among the population. Adjective: The spread of the disease was slow but steady.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In reality, the effect on MPs' seats is more complex to measure as voters are not spread evenly across constituencies: some areas within may heavily favour one party, others its main rival.

The Guardian

But he takes a slightly more pragmatic view on contraception, believing that it can be permissible to prevent the spread of disease.

The Guardian

Word spread.

The New York Times - Sports

In many cases, it'll balance the bets it makes on both sides of the trade, so that it's exposed to no risk and it collects the certain profit from the spread.

The Economist

"These people may be the people who can spread the virus better, but we still don't know that yet.

The Guardian

I don't like to spread panic unless I absolutely have to, but looking at Gove's pop-up initiatives, I think we ought be keeping our eye on the bubbles.

The Guardian

Researchers have also found that climate change-enhanced heat and humidity are conducive to the spread of falciparum malaria, the disease's deadliest strain.

The Guardian

A photo of Robert Mugabe falling down the stairs has spread like wildfire online after the 90-year-old Zimbabwe president took a tumble outside Harare airport, where he had been speaking to supporters.

The Guardian

Many commentators noted that the letter, like the Republican invitation to the Israeli prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, to address Congress last week without consulting the White House, marked a dramatic break from the tradition that partisan politics should "stop at the water's edge" and not spread into critical US defence and security policy abroad.

The Guardian

Both have given me the motivation and confidence to carry on my work and to spread the message on to other people.

The Guardian

The president of Sierra Leone will launch a massive campaign on Wednesday to curb the spread of Ebola in the western areas of the capital Freetown, which will aim to scare people into changing their behaviour.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spread" as a noun, it frequently refers to something covering a surface, like "a spread of butter". Be mindful that it also carries other meanings like "a large meal" or "difference in prices".

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by ensuring the context clarifies whether you are referring to a physical spreading action, the dispersion of information, a food item, or a numerical difference. Using more specific terms can enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The word "spread" functions primarily as a verb or a noun. As a verb, it describes the act of distributing or extending something over an area. As a noun, it can refer to the extent of something or a substance used for covering. Ludwig AI confirms this versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "spread" is a versatile word functioning as both a verb and a noun, widely used to describe the act of distributing or extending something, according to Ludwig AI. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business writing. While grammatically sound, understanding its multiple meanings is crucial to avoid ambiguity. For alternatives, consider "disseminate", "distribute", or "propagate" to add nuance to your writing. Remember to be mindful of the context to ensure clarity and precision in your communication when using the word "spread".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disseminate

Emphasizes the act of scattering or distributing something widely, often information or ideas.

extend

Focuses on increasing the reach or scope of something, often geographically or temporally.

distribute

Highlights the action of giving out or allocating something among a number of recipients.

circulate

Implies the movement of something among a group or area, often information or documents.

propagate

Suggests the process of reproducing or multiplying something, often plants or ideas.

diffuse

Focuses on the process of something becoming widely dispersed or scattered.

radiate

Implies spreading out from a central point or source.

unfurl

Describes the action of opening out something that was previously folded or rolled up.

overspread

Highlights the act of covering the entire surface of something.

fan out

Suggests a spreading movement from a single point, resembling the shape of a fan.

FAQs

How can I use "spread" in a sentence?

"Spread" can be used as a verb (e.g., "to spread rumors"), a noun (e.g., "a spread of jam"), or an adjective. The specific meaning depends on the context.

What are some synonyms for "spread" when referring to dissemination?

Alternatives include "disseminate", "distribute", "propagate", and "circulate". Choose the word that best fits the nuance of your intended meaning.

Which is correct: "spread the news" or "spread out the news"?

"Spread the news" is the more common and idiomatic expression. "Spread out the news" implies physically arranging news items, which is rarely the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "spread" and "scatter"?

"Spread" implies a more even or deliberate distribution, while "scatter" suggests a more random or uncontrolled distribution. For example, you might "spread" seeds in a garden but "scatter" toys on the floor.