spread over

USAGE SUMMARY

"spread over" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to extend or cover a certain area or time period. Example: The festival was spread over three days, with various events and activities for attendees to enjoy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Engineering costs are spread over more vehicles.

Forbes

How long are the returns spread over?

TechCrunch

Adverse weather impacts can easily spread over a network.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

Spread over the chilled custard.

Independent

Spread over the base.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Spread over crusty bread.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Spread over fruit.

The New York Times

Spread over eight hours.

The New York Times - Style

Spread over warm cheesecake.

The New York Times - Food

Spread over cupcakes.

The New York Times - Food

Outrage spread over her.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the distribution of resources or responsibilities, use "spread over" to indicate a fair or planned allocation across different areas or people. For example: "The workload was spread over the entire team to ensure no one was overburdened."

Common error

Avoid using "spread over" solely for emotional states or abstract concepts. While you can say "News of their stand spread over the internet", it's less appropriate to say "Happiness was spread over her face". In the latter case, consider "Happiness filled her face" or "A smile spread across her face" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "spread over" primarily functions as a verb of distribution or extension. It describes how something is distributed across a surface, area, or period. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically correct and showcases its usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

57%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spread over" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the distribution or extension of something across an area, surface, or time period. Ludwig confirms it is grammatically sound and prevalent in News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. When writing, ensure you use it appropriately for describing distribution or coverage, avoiding misuse in emotional or highly abstract contexts. Consider alternatives like "extend across" or "be distributed among" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Its common usage and clear meaning make it a reliable choice for various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extend across

Focuses on the spatial dimension of covering an area.

stretch across

Implies a horizontal extension over a distance.

cover throughout

Emphasizes the completeness of coverage over time or space.

be distributed among

Highlights the act of dispersing elements within a defined space or group.

be scattered across

Suggests a less uniform distribution over an area.

span through

This alternative puts a greater emphasis on duration.

encompass over

Focuses on including a range within a specified limit.

be applied to

Specifically refers to the action of putting something onto a surface.

permeate throughout

Indicates a thorough saturation or presence in every part.

overlay on

Emphasizes the layering of something on top of something else.

FAQs

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

You can use "spread over" to describe something that extends across an area or a period of time. For example: "The project will be "spread over" three months" or "The costs are "spread over" several departments".

What's the difference between "spread over" and "distributed across"?

"Spread over" often implies a more general coverage or extension, while "distributed across" suggests a more deliberate and organized allocation. For instance, "The fog "spread over" the valley" versus "Resources were "distributed across" the various teams".

Which is correct, "spread over" or "spread across"?

Both ""spread over"" and "spread across" are correct, but they can have slightly different nuances. "Spread over" often refers to an area or time, while "spread across" often refers to a surface or a range. For example: "The meeting is "spread over" two days" and "The cream was spread across the cake".

What can I say instead of "spread over"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "extend across", "cover throughout", or "be distributed among".