spread on the internet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spread on the internet" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe information, content, or ideas that have been disseminated or shared online. Example: "The rumor quickly spread on the internet, leading to widespread discussion and concern."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

It's entirely possible that one act, one rumor spread on the Internet could be devastating".

The New York Times

Censors have allowed photographs showing Mr. Xi as a relaxed man of the people to spread on the Internet, including one of a jolly encounter with a man in a Santa Claus costume during a trip overseas.

The New York Times

The party leadership under President Xi Jinping has instead overseen a widespread clampdown on political dissident, criticism and rumors spread on the Internet, and ideological currents seen as threatening one-party rule.

The New York Times

It's spread on the Internet and by satellite TV.

The New York Times

Someone captured the moment on video, which spread on the Internet.

The New Yorker

Cartoons, doctored photographs and false derogatory rumors spread on the Internet and social networks.

The New York Times

Now the idea has spread on the Internet and through social networks.

The New York Times

And as word of his name spread on the internet, a legal mess ensued.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although it has spread on the internet like wild fire, I do not know its origin.

The Guardian

The poster by Ms. Norris spread on the Internet and spawned Facebook groups both for and against the idea.

The New York Times

As word spread on the Internet and by word of mouth, Mr. Govea widened his choice of venues and musicians.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spread on the internet" to convey the idea that something has become widely known or available through online channels.

Common error

Avoid using "spread on the internet" to describe something that is merely available online. The phrase implies active dissemination and widespread sharing, not just presence. For example, a document stored in a personal cloud is available, not spread, until someone shares it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spread on the internet" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used to describe how information, rumors, or content is disseminated widely through online platforms. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spread on the internet" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the wide dissemination of information online. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources. While it's suitable for various contexts, it's most frequently encountered in News & Media. Remember to use it when referring to the active spreading of information, not just its presence online. Alternative phrases like "circulated online" or "went viral" can be used for a similar effect. Use it to emphasize how rapidly the internet can help content being shared and amplified.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

circulated online

This phrase emphasizes the active distribution of information within the online environment.

went viral

Indicates a rapid and widespread dissemination of content across the internet.

shared online

Highlights the act of users distributing content across digital platforms.

disseminated on the internet

A more formal way of saying spread, indicating a broad distribution.

propagated online

Suggests a deliberate and often rapid spreading of information.

distributed via the internet

Focuses on the internet as the medium through which content is distributed.

became widespread online

Emphasizes the extent to which something has become known across the internet.

gained traction online

Implies that something is gaining popularity and visibility on the internet.

made the rounds online

Indicates that information or content is being passed from person to person online.

surfaced on the internet

Indicates the emergence or appearance of something on the internet.

FAQs

What does "spread on the internet" mean?

The phrase "spread on the internet" means that information, news, rumors, or any other kind of content has been widely distributed and shared across various online platforms and channels.

What can I say instead of "spread on the internet"?

You can use alternatives like "circulated online", "went viral", or "shared online" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "spread across the internet" instead of "spread on the internet"?

While both phrases are understandable, "spread on the internet" is more common and idiomatic. "Spread across the internet" might imply a more dispersed or distributed manner, but the difference is subtle.

How has the internet facilitated the "spread" of information?

The internet allows information to "circulate rapidly", cross geographical boundaries easily, and reach a vast audience instantaneously, thereby exponentially increasing the potential for content to "spread".