spread too thinly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spread too thinly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is overextended or trying to manage too many tasks or responsibilities at once. Example: "With so many projects on my plate, I feel like I'm spread too thinly and unable to give my best to any of them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Our assets and people are spread too thinly".

The New York Times

If so, the cash raised will be spread too thinly.

The Guardian - Business

The trouble is that the pupil premium is spread too thinly.

The Guardian

She said she thought that fund directors were spread too thinly to serve their shareholders.

The New York Times

This is the first Christopher Guest film in which too many characters are spread too thinly.

The New York Times

The health service could be left with a shortage of clinicians, with the remaining doctors spread too thinly.

The Guardian

Late in 2014 the National Audit Office warned them that spending on flood defences was being spread too thinly.

The Guardian

Novoselov is clear that the only way the hub will work is if the cash is not spread too thinly.

The Guardian

Unhelpfully, the branches are being monitored by a regulator that faces the same problems as its charges too many unqualified staff spread too thinly.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Spreading too thinly could cause problems, using everybody might be tricky.

WikiHow

Analysts worry that the firm will spread itself too thinly.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spread too thinly", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being spread and the negative consequences of this dilution. For example, "The budget was spread too thinly across multiple projects, resulting in none of them being adequately funded."

Common error

Avoid using "spread too thinly" when the issue is simply a lack of resources, not their distribution. If there aren't enough resources from the start, the problem isn't that they're spread too thinly, but that they're insufficient overall.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spread too thinly" functions as an adverbial modifier, typically describing how something (resources, efforts, attention, etc.) is distributed. It implies that the distribution is so broad that it diminishes the effectiveness of each individual part, confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

10%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "spread too thinly" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to describe a situation where resources, efforts, or attention are distributed across too many areas, leading to a reduction in effectiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across news, science, and general contexts to express concern about inefficient allocation. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly identifies what is being spread and what the negative consequences are. Consider alternatives such as "overextended" or "stretched too far" for nuanced meaning. Avoid using it when the fundamental problem is simply insufficient resources rather than their distribution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overextended

Focuses on the state of being stretched beyond capacity.

stretched too far

Emphasizes the limit of one's capabilities.

thinly stretched

Inverts the original phrase while retaining the meaning.

overcommitted

Highlights having too many obligations.

diluted effort

Focuses on the reduced impact of scattered efforts.

resources are strained

Highlights the pressure on available resources.

lacking focus

Emphasizes the absence of concentrated effort.

spread out too much

Highlights the physical or metaphorical scattering of resources.

overburdened

Stresses the excessive load or responsibility.

insufficiently concentrated

Highlights the lack of concentration of resources.

FAQs

How can I use "spread too thinly" in a sentence?

You can use "spread too thinly" to describe resources, efforts, or attention that are divided among too many things, reducing their effectiveness. For example, "The department's resources are "spread too thinly" to address all the issues effectively."

What are some alternatives to saying "spread too thinly"?

Alternatives include "overextended", "stretched too far", or "overcommitted". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "spread so thinly" instead of "spread too thinly"?

While "spread so thinly" is grammatically correct, it doesn't convey the same sense of negative consequence as "spread too thinly". "Spread so thinly" simply describes the distribution, whereas "spread too thinly" implies that the distribution is problematic.

What's the difference between "spread too thinly" and "lacking focus"?

"Spread too thinly" refers to the allocation of resources or efforts across multiple areas, while "lacking focus" refers to a lack of concentration or direction. You might say resources are "spread too thinly", leading to the team "lacking focus".