spread through

USAGE SUMMARY

"spread through" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
It is most often used to indicate either the cause of something happening or an object being spread across a certain area. For example: "The virus spread quickly through the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Chaos spread through Taksim.

The New Yorker

Diseases can spread through careless injecting".

Independent

Word has spread through the North Country.

The New York Times

The riot spread through the vast camp.

The New Yorker

It spread through particularly nefarious means.

The New York Times

Stoudemire's relentlessness spread through the lineup.

The New York Times - Sports

Cholera is spread through dirty water.

The New York Times

Word had spread through the art world.

The New York Times - Arts

Sloppiness spread through Ireland's play.

The Guardian - Sport

Panic spread through the community.

The New York Times

It's spread through the club".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the transmission of diseases or information, use "spread through" to clearly indicate the medium or channel of propagation. For example: "The rumor spread through the office like wildfire."

Common error

Avoid using "spread across" when you want to emphasize the means by which something is disseminated. "Spread through" specifies the channel or method, while "spread across" focuses on the extent or area covered.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spread through" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the movement or distribution of something within a specific medium or area. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes the manner in which something propagates, be it news, disease, or influence. Examples show its use in various contexts, from physical spaces to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spread through" is a versatile verb phrase that describes the movement or dissemination of something within a specific medium or area. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is considered correct for use in English writing. It is particularly common in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. The analysis reveals that while "spread throughout" is a related phrase, it is best to use "spread through" when specifying the channel of spread. As the examples show, this phrase can be used to describe the propagation of news, diseases, emotions, and other phenomena, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permeated throughout

This alternative emphasizes a thorough and pervasive spread, often suggesting saturation or deep penetration.

diffused across

Suggests a gradual and even distribution over a wider area or population.

propagated among

Implies a more active and intentional spread, often used for information or beliefs.

extended into

Focuses on the reach or scope of the spread, highlighting the areas affected.

swept across

Conveys a rapid and forceful spread, often with a sense of overwhelming impact.

penetrated the

Highlights the act of entering and affecting something, suggesting a deeper influence.

pervaded within

This option emphasizes the subtle presence of something spreading, suggesting influence or emotional impact.

circulated within

Suggests a movement or flow within a defined space or group.

disseminated among

This alternative highlights the act of carefully spreading information to reach intended audience.

radiated from

Implies a spread outwards from a central point, like light or heat.

FAQs

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

The phrase "spread through" is used to describe how something extends or is distributed within a particular space or medium. For example, "The news "spread through" the town quickly" or "The disease "spread through" the population."

What are some alternatives to "spread through"?

Alternatives to "spread through" include "permeated throughout", "diffused across", or "propagated among", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "spread throughout" instead of "spread through"?

While "spread throughout" is also correct, it emphasizes the completeness of the spread within a given area. "Spread through" focuses more on the process or means of dissemination. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Spread through" typically implies a natural or cascading dissemination, while "distributed across" suggests a more deliberate or managed allocation. For example, "The flyers were "distributed across" the city", while "The excitement "spread through" the crowd."