spread out over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spread out over" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to distribute something or divide it among a period of time or people. For example, "We spread out the tasks over the whole week so no one gets overwhelmed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The unit is spread out over three full floors, Nos.

The New York Times

The pain is spread out over a longer period.

The Economist

The refinery was spread out over about ten acres.

The New Yorker

(Each of those was spread out over an entire season).

The New York Times

I see Lou's fingers spread out over her black hair.

The New Yorker

The grant is to be spread out over 10 years.

The New York Times

They were spread out over several hundred metres.

The New Yorker

Reusable straw was spread out over the entire hill.

The New York Times

Instead those winds are spread out over a wider distance.

The Guardian

The changes were tiny and spread out over eight years.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We'd all become spread out over about 400m.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a distribution of elements, ensure the context clearly defines both the elements being distributed and the area or time they are "spread out over". This enhances clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using alternative prepositions like 'in' or 'on' instead of 'over' when describing a distribution across an area. Saying 'spread out in' changes the meaning, implying containment rather than coverage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spread out over" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun. It describes how something is distributed or extended across a specific area or duration. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spread out over" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe the distribution of something across an area or time period. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used in a variety of contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic content. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. When using the phrase, make sure that the context clearly defines the elements being distributed and the extent of the distribution. Remember that alternatives like "distributed across" or "scattered across" may be more appropriate depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distributed across

Focuses on even allocation rather than general coverage.

extended throughout

Emphasizes the reach throughout an entire area or period.

scattered across

Implies a more random distribution.

spanning across

Highlights the act of covering or including something from one end to another.

covering the entirety of

Stresses full coverage of something.

laid out across

Suggests a deliberate arrangement or positioning.

stretched across

Implies a physical extension or expansion.

permeated throughout

Indicates a thorough and complete penetration.

encompassing

Suggests that something is included in a broad way.

covering a range of

Emphasizes diversity in the area covered.

FAQs

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

The phrase "spread out over" is used to describe something distributed across an area or a period of time. For example, "The costs are "spread out over" several years" or "The troops were "spread out over" the battlefield".

What are some alternatives to "spread out over"?

Some alternatives include "distributed across", "extended throughout", or "scattered across", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "spread out over" and "scattered across"?

While both phrases describe distribution, "spread out over" suggests a more even or intentional arrangement, whereas "scattered across" implies a more random or haphazard distribution.

Can "spread out over" be used to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "spread out over" can be used to describe abstract concepts like time, costs, or responsibilities, as in "The workload was "spread out over" the team members".