spread like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spread like" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to explain how something is traveling or being distributed. For example, "The news of the celebrity's arrest spread like wildfire through the gossip blogs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Auchinclosses spread like a mold.

The New Yorker

Concept spread like wildfire.

MIT Technology Review

They've spread like cancer.

The Washington Post

Globalization spread like kudzu.

The New York Times - Books

Word spread like wildfire.

The Guardian

News of the arrests spread like wildfire.

The New York Times

Storms spread like inkblots across the sky.

The New Yorker

"It spread like wildfire," she said.

Independent

Then it spread like wildfire.

Nature

"It can spread like wildfire".

The Guardian

But the strike didn't spread like wildfire.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spread like" to create vivid comparisons that highlight the speed and manner of dissemination. For example, "Rumors spread like wildfire" effectively conveys how quickly rumors travel.

Common error

While "spread like wildfire" is common, avoid overuse. Consider more original comparisons to make your writing stand out. For instance, try "spread like an intricate web" for a nuanced effect.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "spread like" is to act as a simile, providing a descriptive comparison to illustrate how something disseminates or propagates. It functions as part of a verb phrase, enhancing the verb's meaning with a vivid image, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spread like" is a versatile simile used to vividly describe the rapid dissemination of something, whether it's news, ideas, or even physical phenomena. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. The phrase is particularly common in News & Media and Science contexts. While often employed in the familiar idiom "spread like wildfire", considering more original comparisons can enhance writing. Given its frequency and clear communicative function, mastering the use of "spread like" can significantly improve descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become widespread rapidly

Indicates the fast attainment of a broad or general presence.

disseminate quickly

Emphasizes the act of spreading information or ideas widely and rapidly.

sweep across

Suggests a rapid and comprehensive spreading of something over a wide area.

proliferate rapidly

Focuses on the increase in number or quantity, rather than the manner of spreading.

expand exponentially

Highlights the accelerating rate of growth or expansion.

catch on like crazy

Highlights the enthusiastic and rapid adoption of something new.

gain traction swiftly

Suggests a rapid increase in popularity or acceptance.

take off like a rocket

Uses a different metaphor to describe a sudden and dramatic increase in popularity or success.

permeate thoroughly

Emphasizes the complete and pervasive spreading of something throughout an area or group.

metastasize aggressively

Conveys the idea of something spreading quickly and uncontrollably, often with negative connotations.

FAQs

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

You can use "spread like" to describe how quickly something disseminates. For instance, "The news "spread like wildfire"" or "The idea "spread like a virus"".

What are some alternatives to "spread like"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "proliferate rapidly", "disseminate quickly", or "become widespread rapidly". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "spread like wildfire" or "spread as wildfire"?

"Spread like wildfire" is the idiomatic and correct form. "Spread as wildfire" is grammatically awkward and not commonly used.

What's the difference between "spread like wildfire" and "spread quickly"?

"Spread quickly" simply indicates speed, while ""spread like wildfire"" implies both speed and uncontrollability or intensity. The latter is more vivid and evocative.