spread outside of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spread outside of" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing something that extends or reaches beyond a certain area or limit. Example: "The news of the event spread outside of the local community." Alternative expressions include "spread beyond" and "extended beyond."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Their affair spread outside of the lab and was soon an open secret on campus.

The Guardian - Books

The message was that the disease had seldom spread outside of hospitals or among the families of victims.

The New York Times

And the study did not take into account how the flu spread outside of the school environment, at gatherings like play dates or sports practice.

Cornell University

It took 119 years, on average, for the spindle to spread outside of Europe to the poorer reaches of the late-18th-century world, according to the authors.

The New York Times

Ever since the publication of his story The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County Twain was famous throughout the English-speaking world, and news of the book soon spread outside of the United States.

The Guardian - Books

The government would be wise to ensure the benefits of its Northern Powerhouse agenda are spread outside of major urban centres, in order to ensure prosperity is truly shared across the region".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Such extreme measures won't stop Ebola infections from spreading outside of Africa and may cause serious disruption.

The Washington Post

But, and it's a big one -- the housing market is the UK economy's traditional "Achilles heel" (as Larry Elliott pointed out during the press conference) Schulz adds: With house prices rising at nearly 10% year-on-year in April according to ONS data and rises spreading outside of London, the boom-bust cycle risks returning.

The Guardian - Business

Now imagine these sorts of ripples spreading outside of California.

Forbes

We can spread the word through Facebook but that site's pernicious systems keeps it from spreading outside of your immediate zone of friends.

TechCrunch

The BBC's Thomas Hubert in Kinshasa says the study is in line with earlier reports that found sexual violence was spreading outside of war zones and into DR Congo's civilian society.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spread outside of", ensure the context clearly defines both the source and the destination or extent of the spreading. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the overall clarity of your writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "spread outside of" can sound less sophisticated in formal writing. Opt for more concise alternatives like "extended beyond" or "expanded beyond" to enhance the professional tone of your text.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spread outside of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often modifying verbs to indicate the direction or extent of movement or influence. It is used to describe how something extends beyond a defined area or boundary. Ludwig confirms its validity through various examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

36%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "spread outside of" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe the expansion or dissemination of something beyond a defined area. While confirmed as valid by Ludwig, it's important to consider the context and choose more formal alternatives like "extended beyond" in professional settings. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, science, and academic sources. When using "spread outside of", ensure you clearly define both the source and destination of the spreading to avoid ambiguity. Remember that Ludwig provides several examples to guide usage and offers a good confirmation of its validity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extended beyond

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of reaching past a limit or boundary.

expanded beyond

This alternative suggests a gradual increase in size or scope beyond a specific area.

reached beyond

This alternative emphasizes the successful crossing of a defined limit or boundary.

permeated beyond

This alternative suggests a more thorough and pervasive spreading into areas beyond the initial boundary.

disseminated beyond

This alternative is formal and implies a deliberate act of spreading information or something intangible.

proliferated beyond

This alternative emphasizes a rapid increase and spread beyond a given area, often in a negative context.

escaped from

This alternative suggests a movement away from confinement, implying a desire to break free.

moved beyond

A general alternative which express a shift or progression past a certain point or area, less specific in its spreading connotation.

spilled over

Suggests an uncontrolled spread beyond capacity or containment.

outgrew

Implies something has become too large or advanced for its original confines.

FAQs

How can I use "spread outside of" in a sentence?

You can use "spread outside of" to describe something extending beyond a specific area or limit. For example: "The influence of the company "spread outside of" its original market."

What are some alternatives to "spread outside of"?

Alternatives include "extended beyond", "expanded beyond", or "reached beyond", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "spread beyond" instead of "spread outside of"?

Yes, "spread beyond" is a correct and often more concise alternative to "spread outside of". The choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

What is the difference between "spread outside of" and "remained within"?

"Spread outside of" indicates movement or extension beyond a boundary, while "remained within" implies confinement or containment within a specific area. They are antonyms.