spread out evenly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spread out evenly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the distribution of items, substances, or elements in a uniform manner across a given area or volume. Example: "To ensure even cooking, the vegetables should be spread out evenly on the baking sheet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Spoon the potato on top and spread out evenly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They did not spread out evenly across the city.

The New York Times - Magazine

Instead, the wit is spread out evenly between the various characters, who insult each other gratuitously.

The Economist

Toss to coat, then spread out evenly, with cut sides facing down.

The Washington Post

It is assumed that these courses will be spread out evenly over the first four semesters of study.

Columbia University

Pour this into the tin, spread out evenly, and bake for about 30 minutes until cooked and bouncy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Currently, funding is directed towards areas of disadvantage but is spread out evenly across the schools in that area.

The Guardian

Give an ant colony three identical bridges to cross and they won't spread out evenly; more will always choose one.

The Guardian

At the same time, the government has also supposed the salary increases achieved by graduates will be spread out evenly, Bekhradnia said.

The Guardian

Such an approach will lessen any turbulence that might be felt if the debt demands are not spread out evenly throughout the next few years.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, these users are living a life in which consciousness is spread out evenly over two platforms: real life and the Web.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions, ensure clarity by explicitly stating the desired outcome of spreading something out evenly. For example, "Spread the mixture out evenly to ensure consistent baking."

Common error

Avoid inconsistent application. Verify coverage after spreading to correct any areas that are too thick or thin. For example, when applying fertilizer, walk the area twice at half the rate to avoid stripes and overlapping.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spread out evenly" typically functions as a verb phrase, often used in instructions or descriptions to indicate how something should be distributed or arranged. It modifies a verb by providing detail about the manner of the action, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

24%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "spread out evenly" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that signifies distributing something in a uniform manner. Ludwig AI affirms its validity. Predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, this phrase serves to instruct or describe a balanced distribution for fairness, consistency, or functionality. While it maintains a generally neutral tone, its applications vary from formal instructions to informal guides, making it versatile across different settings. For alternatives, consider phrases such as "distribute uniformly" or "arrange evenly" to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distribute uniformly

Replaces "spread" with "distribute" and "evenly" with "uniformly", emphasizing a consistent distribution.

arrange evenly

Substitutes "spread" with "arrange", focusing on the act of placing items in a balanced manner.

disperse uniformly

Uses "disperse" instead of "spread", highlighting the scattering aspect of the distribution.

scatter evenly

Similar to disperse, but implies a less controlled distribution.

allocate equally

Focuses on dividing something into equal portions across different recipients or locations.

space out equally

Emphasizes the spacing between items as they are distributed.

partition equally

Implies dividing an area or resource into equal sections.

balance proportionally

Focuses on maintaining balance while spreading elements according to their proportion.

grade gradually

Suggests a smooth and continuous transition while spreading out.

fan out symmetrically

Emphasizes a symmetrical distribution pattern resembling a fan.

FAQs

How can I ensure that ingredients are "spread out evenly" in a baking dish?

Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently guide the ingredients across the surface, ensuring a uniform layer and consistent thickness throughout the dish. Rotate the dish as needed to reach all areas.

What does it mean when instructions say to "spread out evenly" when planting seeds?

It means to distribute the seeds in a way that avoids clumping and provides each seed with enough space to germinate and grow without competing for resources. This can be achieved by carefully spacing the seeds by hand or using a seed spreader.

Is it better to "distribute uniformly" /s/distribute+uniformly or "spread out evenly"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable. "Spread out evenly" is more commonly used in informal contexts, while "distribute uniformly" sounds more formal and scientific. The choice depends on the tone and audience.

What's an example of a situation where resources should be "spread out evenly"?

In disaster relief, it's crucial to "spread out evenly" the distribution of essential supplies like water, food, and medical aid to affected populations, ensuring that no community is overlooked and that everyone receives adequate support.