spread havoc

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spread havoc" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of causing chaos or destruction in a particular situation or environment. Example: "The storm was so powerful that it spread havoc across the entire town, leaving behind a trail of destruction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

If Greece exits, it could spread havoc throughout the global financial system.

The New York Times

Bin Laden's heirs can still spread havoc, but they have lost the political momentum.

The New York Times

If it were to explode over a metropolitan area, it would spread havoc.

The New York Times - Science

The crash of 2008, which spread havoc around the world faster than any previous financial crisis, called that assumption into question.

The Economist

While he can spread havoc among opposing defenders Wanyama himself remains composed, consistently choosing the right options after marauding into positions to do damage.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet it took a radical, violent turn soon after Yusuf's brutal death.In the five years since, Boko Haram has spread havoc across parts of Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

But finally there came a point when, in the words of her onetime lover Edmund Wilson, "she was tired of breaking hearts and spreading havoc".

The New York Times - Books

The bell tolls A new scramble Primogeniture rules, OK? Foundation and empire Reprints Related items Pharmaceuticals: Got a match?Nov 25th 2004 Regulating drugs: First do no harmNov 25th 2004When the drugs don't workEven as the FDA scrambled to put out its side of the story, Mr Graham's testimony was spreading havoc in the markets.

The Economist

It backfired, spreading havoc in the careers of young scientists, who not only gained little access to the new stable positions promised by the law but also soon found it nearly impossible to renew their short-term contracts.

Science Magazine

In the resulting investigations and trials, titled "Ergenekon" and "Balyoz," the accused were charged with planning to bomb mosques in Istanbul and spread general havoc.

Huffington Post

The notion of anarchists organizing a news conference announced well in advance and held before a gaggle of reporters might seem a little odd, given the popular image of anarchists as shadowy, brick-throwing rabble-rousers bent on wreaking havoc and spreading mayhem.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spread havoc", consider the specific context to determine if a more precise synonym like "wreak havoc" or "cause chaos" would be more impactful.

Common error

While "spread havoc" is a valid phrase, avoid using it repetitively in your writing. Vary your vocabulary with alternatives like "cause widespread damage" or "instigate chaos" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spread havoc" functions as a verb phrase. It describes an action—the act of causing widespread disruption or damage. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and employed in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "spread havoc" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe the act of causing widespread disruption or damage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid phrase used across various contexts. While not as frequent as some synonyms like "wreak havoc", it's a useful and appropriate expression, particularly in news and media. When writing, remember that there are also numerous alternative phrasings such as "cause chaos" or "instigate chaos" that can enrich your writing style. Be mindful of overuse, aiming for precision and impact in your language choices. Although the phrase is valid, it should be used with caution to avoid sounding repetitive or cliché.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spread chaos

Replaces "havoc" with "chaos", emphasizing a state of complete disorder and confusion.

wreak havoc

Uses "wreak" instead of "spread", focusing on the active infliction of damage or disruption.

instigate chaos

Similar to "spread chaos" but emphasizes the act of initiating the chaotic situation.

cause widespread damage

Replaces "spread havoc" with a more literal description of the consequences.

create disarray

Focuses on causing a state of disorder and lack of organization.

trigger disruption

Highlights the initiation of a disturbance or interruption of normal activity.

generate turmoil

Highlights the creation of a state of disturbance and confusion.

stir up trouble

More informal, implying the instigation of problems or conflict.

precipitate disaster

Indicates causing a sudden and significant calamitous event.

unleash pandemonium

Suggests releasing a wild and uncontrolled uproar or chaos.

FAQs

What does "spread havoc" mean?

The phrase "spread havoc" means to cause widespread disruption, disorder, or damage. It implies that something is causing problems across a wide area or among a large group of people.

What can I say instead of "spread havoc"?

You can use alternatives like "wreak havoc", "cause chaos", or "generate turmoil" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "spread havoc" or "wreak havoc"?

Both "spread havoc" and "wreak havoc" are correct and usable. "Wreak havoc" is perhaps more common, but "spread havoc" is also widely understood and accepted.

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

You can use "spread havoc" to describe events, people, or even abstract concepts that cause widespread disruption. For example, "The hurricane spread havoc across the coastal region."