spread it over

USAGE SUMMARY

"spread it over" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to distribute or cover something over a space or surface. Example: "Please spread the frosting over the entire cake, making sure to cover all edges and corners evenly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unni brought a blanket and spread it over Yngve.

The New Yorker

Use a rubber or offset spatula to gently spread it over the filling and smooth the top.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then, spread it over your skin.

WikiHow

Dollop the cream on the sherry trifle and spread it over evenly.

WikiHow

Take a medium grey eyeshadow and gently spread it over the rest of your eye.

WikiHow

You want the fan to suck the cold air up and spread it over the house again.

WikiHow

They may pull it down and spread it over the house and possibly chew on it and choke.

WikiHow

Work it into your soil to improve its water retention or spread it over pasture to stimulate grass growth.

WikiHow

Drain the rice, then spread it over the meat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

3 Let the mixture cool, then spread it over each slice of bread.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Spread it over the top of the cake, letting it run down the sides a little.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spread it over", ensure that the 'it' is clearly defined and that the context makes it clear what is being spread and what surface it is being spread onto. For example, "Spread the jam over the toast" is clearer than "Spread it over" if the toast and jam haven't been previously mentioned.

Common error

Avoid using "spread it over" when the 'it' is unclear or ambiguous. This can lead to confusion for the reader. Always ensure the antecedent of 'it' is clearly established in the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spread it over" typically functions as a phrasal verb, where "spread" is the verb and "over" is the particle. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in written English, indicating it’s grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

41%

News & Media

35%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spread it over" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe the action of distributing something across a surface. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is used in diverse contexts, predominantly in Wiki and News & Media sources. While generally neutral to informal, it's essential to ensure clarity by explicitly defining the 'it' to avoid ambiguity. Remember that less formal synonyms like "cover it with" can be suitable depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Distribute it across

Replaces "spread" with a more formal term, emphasizing even distribution.

Apply it to

Focuses on the action of putting something onto a surface, rather than spreading it.

Cover it with

Emphasizes complete coverage of the surface.

Smear it on

Suggests a less precise, more forceful application.

Extend it across

Implies lengthening or widening something to cover an area.

Blanket it with

Suggests covering the surface completely and thickly.

Overlay it with

Focuses on placing something on top of something else.

Infuse it throughout

Indicates a process of permeating or saturating something.

Diffuse it over

Implies a more gentle and even distribution, like a gas.

Scatter it around

Indicates a random and dispersed distribution.

FAQs

How can I use "spread it over" in a sentence?

You can use "spread it over" in sentences like "Spread the butter over the bread" or "Spread the mixture over the surface evenly."

What's a more formal way to say "spread it over"?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "distribute it across" or "apply it to". For example, instead of "Spread the fertilizer over the field", consider "Distribute the fertilizer across the field."

Is it ever incorrect to use "spread it over"?

While generally correct, "spread it over" can be vague if the 'it' isn't clearly defined. Ensure the context makes it clear what you're spreading. Otherwise, consider specifying the item, such as "spread the sauce over the pizza".

What are some synonyms for "spread it over"?

Some synonyms include "cover it with", "apply it to", or "distribute it across". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.