spread among

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spread among" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something has been divided or distributed among multiple people or entities. For example, "The proceeds from the fundraiser were spread among the local homeless shelters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is a wider spread among occupations.

The New York Times

Production is spread among too many factories.

The Economist

Can it spread among people?

The Guardian

This news quickly spread among the bystanders.

The Guardian

Fear has spread among immigrants and Muslims.

The Washington Post

But this decision will be spread among hundreds of bees.

Cornell University

The burden has to be spread among communities.

The New York Times

The rest have been evenly spread among participating retailers.

The Guardian - Money

That was something that spread among all: "Do not fight.

The New York Times

The slothfulness spread among us girls like a contagion.

The Guardian - Opinion

The wealth will be spread among a few.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spread among" when you want to emphasize the distribution of something across multiple recipients or entities. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being distributed and who or what is receiving it.

Common error

Avoid using "spread among" with singular nouns. This phrase is designed for distribution among multiple entities, so ensure the subject is plural or collective. For example, instead of "The rumor spread among the person", use "The rumor spread among the people".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spread among" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, indicating the distribution or dissemination of something (tangible or intangible) across a group or set of recipients. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spread among" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to describe the distribution of something among multiple entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely applicable and understood. Predominantly found in neutral contexts such as news and media, it clearly conveys the idea of allocation or dissemination. While adaptable, it's crucial to use it with plural nouns and avoid singular references for grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distributed among

Focuses specifically on the action of distributing something across a group.

allocated among

Highlights the formal assignment or allotment to different recipients.

shared between

Emphasizes the act of sharing resources or responsibilities among individuals.

disseminated across

Implies a wider and more pervasive distribution or spread of information or influence.

partitioned between

Suggests a division into distinct parts and assignment to different entities.

circulated amongst

Focuses on movement and flow within a group.

apportioned among

Emphasizes the fair or proportionate allocation to different parties.

scattered throughout

Indicates a less organized or more random distribution.

permeated within

Highlights the way something becomes integrated or infused within a group or area.

diffused through

Suggests a gradual spread or mixing within a population or medium.

FAQs

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

You can use "spread among" to describe the distribution of something across multiple recipients. For example, "The responsibilities were "distributed among" the team members".

What is a good alternative to "spread among"?

Alternatives to "spread among" include "distributed among", "allocated among", or "shared between", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "spread among" a singular noun?

No, it is not correct. "Spread among" implies distribution across multiple entities. Use it with plural or collective nouns.

How does "spread among" differ from "spread throughout"?

"Spread among" suggests distribution to distinct entities, whereas "spread throughout" indicates dispersion across an entire area or population. For example, "The money was "distributed among" the charities", versus "The news spread throughout the town".