spread about

USAGE SUMMARY

"spread about" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express the idea of distributing or circulating information. For example, "The news of their engagement had spread about quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Spread about 2 inches (5 cm) of mulch.

WikiHow

Lots of dresses spread about.

The New Yorker

Word quickly spread about the strange visitor.

The New York Times

Word quickly spread about the stabbing.

The New York Times - Sports

Stories spread about the production.

The New Yorker

Word spread about Rachel's last fund-raiser.

The New York Times

Spread about 2/3 of the onions on one fillet.

The New York Times

Spread about 150ml of the fennel sauce over each base.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Spread about 3 tablespoons frosting on each cooled cupcake.

The New York Times

Awareness spread about rainforest wood in DIY stores.

The Guardian

Word soon began to spread about the project.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spread about" to describe how news, rumors, or physical objects are distributed across an area or among people. Ensure the context clearly indicates the subject being distributed and the scope of its distribution.

Common error

While "spread about" is acceptable, it can sound informal. In formal contexts, consider using more precise or sophisticated alternatives like "disseminated", "circulated", or "propagated" to enhance the tone and clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "spread about" is that of a phrasal verb, indicating an action of distributing or circulating something. Ludwig AI provides examples of its use in various contexts, illustrating its function in conveying the spread of information or physical items.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

35%

Encyclopedias

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spread about" is a phrasal verb used to describe the distribution or circulation of something, whether it be information, rumors, or physical objects. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, though it leans toward the informal side. Its usage is most common in news, media, and wiki contexts. While acceptable, more formal alternatives may be preferable in professional or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "disseminated", "circulated", or "propagated" in formal contexts to enhance clarity and tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

circulated widely

Emphasizes broad distribution, suggesting information reached many people or places.

was disseminated

Implies a more formal and systematic distribution of information.

became known

Focuses on the fact of something becoming public knowledge, rather than the act of spreading.

was publicized

Highlights the act of making something known to the public, often through formal channels.

was propagated

Suggests a deliberate and active effort to spread something, often used in scientific or technical contexts.

was diffused

Implies a gradual and even distribution.

got around

A more informal way of saying information was distributed, often referring to rumors or news.

passed around

Suggests information or objects were shared from person to person.

became prevalent

Focuses on widespread acceptance or existence, rather than the process of spreading.

was scattered

Focuses on the physical act of spreading something in different directions or locations.

FAQs

What does "spread about" mean?

"Spread about" means to distribute or circulate something over an area or among a group of people. It can apply to both tangible items and intangible things like news or rumors.

How can I use "spread about" in a sentence?

You can use "spread about" in a sentence like this: "Word "became known" about Rachel's last fund-raiser."

What can I say instead of "spread about"?

Alternatives to "spread about" include "circulated widely", "became known", or "was disseminated" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "spread about" formal or informal?

"Spread about" leans toward the informal side. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "disseminated" or "circulated" for a more polished tone.