spread propaganda

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'spread propaganda' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used when talking about a group or person attempting to influence public opinion by disseminating or broadcasting biased, misleading, or false information. For example: "The political group was attempting to spread propaganda in order to gain more support for their cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Violent movements spread propaganda and false information.

The New York Times

They use modern technology to spread propaganda and terror through the internet and social media networks.

The Guardian

The most striking issue is the overly broad criteria used to identify which outlets spread propaganda.

The New Yorker

The Kremlin is also aggressively exploiting the Internet to spread propaganda and bolster government popularity, sometimes with comical zeal.

The New York Times

The internet can be used to spread propaganda very effectively, which is why Hugo Chávez is on Twitter.

The Economist

Twitter has been widely used by extremists affiliated with or sympathetic to Isis to spread propaganda and coordinate recruitment efforts.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

They were found guilty of spreading "propaganda against the state".

The Guardian

She was later put on trial accused of "spreading propaganda" and given a year's jail.

Independent

They were accused of spreading "propaganda against the regime," the agency said.

The New York Times

In 1976, he was arrested and sentenced to ten years in prison for spreading propaganda.

The New Yorker

Then she, too, was arrested, on charges of conspiring against state security and spreading propaganda.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "spread propaganda", be specific about the source and the intended audience to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "They spread propaganda", specify who "they" are and who they are trying to influence.

Common error

Avoid using "spread propaganda" without specifying who is doing the spreading. Vague attributions can weaken your argument and make your writing less credible. Always identify the source when discussing propaganda.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spread propaganda" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "spread" is the verb and "propaganda" is the direct object. It describes the action of disseminating propaganda. As shown in Ludwig, it is commonly used in news and media to describe the actions of entities attempting to influence public opinion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spread propaganda" is a commonly used and grammatically sound verb phrase that describes the act of disseminating biased or misleading information with the intention of influencing public opinion. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and readily usable. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the term carries a neutral to negative connotation. While it's important to use the phrase accurately and with clear attribution, as evidenced in the examples from Ludwig, using related phrases like "disseminate information" may be more suitable when aiming for neutrality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disseminate propaganda

Focuses on a more formal method of distributing propaganda.

circulate propaganda

Highlights the act of moving propaganda around to reach a wider audience.

promote propaganda

Emphasizes the active effort to push propaganda into the public sphere.

peddle propaganda

Suggests a persistent and possibly underhanded way of distributing propaganda.

broadcast propaganda

Implies a wide and immediate distribution of propaganda.

propagate misinformation

Shifts the focus to the inaccurate nature of the information being spread, maintaining a similar intent.

disseminate disinformation

Similar to "propagate misinformation", but with a stronger emphasis on the intent to deceive.

spread falsehoods

Highlights the untruthful nature of the information being circulated.

spread fake news

A more contemporary term for spreading false or misleading information, especially online.

spread rumors

Focuses on the informal and often unverified nature of the information being passed around.

FAQs

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

You can use "spread propaganda" to describe the act of disseminating biased or misleading information. For example: "The government was accused of trying to "spread propaganda" to influence public opinion."

What is a less accusatory way to say "spread propaganda"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "disseminate information", or "promote a message" which are more neutral. However, keep in mind that these alternatives may not fully capture the negative connotation associated with propaganda.

What's the difference between "spread propaganda" and "spread information"?

"Spread information" is a neutral term, while "spread propaganda" implies the deliberate dissemination of biased or misleading information to influence an audience.

Is it always negative to "spread propaganda"?

While "spread propaganda" often carries a negative connotation, it can depend on perspective. What one group considers propaganda, another may see as truth or necessary messaging. However, the term generally implies a manipulative intent.