spread into

USAGE SUMMARY

"spread into" is a perfectly valid phrase to use in English.
It can be used to indicate a growth or expansion into different areas, like when a company opens a new store in a new city. For example, "The company has slowly spread into towns across the country, opening new stores in each location."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Then it spread into the Deccan area.

Independent

"This could very well spread into Spain and Italy".

The New York Times

To develop, it needs to spread into workplaces next.

The Guardian - Opinion

The slump may have spread into this month.

The New York Times

"Investment banking has spread into everything we do in business.

The Guardian - Business

Had it had time to spread into my brain?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Spread into the tin and freeze for about eight hours.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At other times it has spread into Central Park.

The New York Times - Arts

Hostilities spread into Lithuania and lasted until September 1831.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Islam spread into Malawi from the east coast.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fires set to clear land for plantations spread into forests.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spread into" to describe the expansion or dissemination of something, whether it's an idea, a physical substance, or an influence. Ensure the subject clearly indicates what is expanding and the object indicates where it is expanding to.

Common error

Avoid using "spread into" when a simpler preposition like "across" or "through" would be more appropriate. "Spread into" implies a containment or defined space, not just a general direction or surface.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "spread into" functions as a verb of movement or influence. It describes how something expands, extends, or becomes prevalent within a specific area or domain. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is valid and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "spread into" effectively conveys the idea of something expanding or becoming distributed within a specific area. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is grammatical and widely used across various domains. It is observed frequently in “News & Media” and “Science”. Understanding the nuances of this phrase allows writers to choose the most precise wording for describing expansion or influence. While alternatives like "extend into" or "permeate into" exist, "spread into" provides a clear and versatile option. Remember to consider the intended scope when choosing the most appropriate preposition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expand into

Focuses on the growth and enlargement into a new area or scope.

extend into

Implies a physical or conceptual reaching or continuation into a space or area.

diffuse into

Highlights the process of scattering or dispersing into something.

propagate into

Suggests the act of reproducing or transmitting something into a new area.

permeate into

Suggests a gradual penetration or diffusion throughout something.

penetrate into

Implies a forceful or direct entry into something.

infiltrate into

Indicates a subtle or gradual entry, often with a negative connotation.

branch into

Implies diverging or developing into a new direction or field.

bleed into

Suggests a subtle or unintended influence or overlap into something else.

encroach upon

Indicates gradually advancing into someone's space or territory

FAQs

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

You can use "spread into" to describe the expansion of something, such as "The rumor "spread into" every corner of the office" or "The fire "spread into" the neighboring building".

What are some alternatives to "spread into"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "extend into", "expand into", or "permeate into" to convey a similar meaning as ""spread into"".

Is it correct to say "spread in" instead of "spread into"?

While "spread in" can be grammatically correct in certain contexts, it doesn't convey the same meaning as ""spread into"". "Spread in" usually refers to applying something thinly over a surface, whereas ""spread into"" suggests expansion or dissemination within a space or area.

What's the difference between ""spread into"" and "spilled over into"?

"Spread into" generally indicates a gradual or natural expansion, while "spilled over into" suggests an overflow or unintended consequence affecting a different area.