spread uncontrollably

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spread uncontrollably" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something, such as a fire, disease, or rumor, expands or increases in a manner that cannot be controlled or contained. Example: "The wildfire began to spread uncontrollably, consuming everything in its path and forcing evacuations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

When he later agreed to surgery the tumor had spread uncontrollably.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Kudzu, or "the vine that ate the South," for example, spread uncontrollably in the 1930s after farmers were paid to cultivate it in an attempt to curb erosion.

The New York Times

The fires were initially triggered by farmers clearing land but spread uncontrollably because vegetation had dried with the advent of El Niño last October.

The Guardian

Algae blooms, a constant problem, spread uncontrollably in the warm geothermic water, which is 90 degrees at the bottom but is cooled by the air at the surface.

The New York Times - Travel

The suburbs of Paris are ablaze and the fever has spread uncontrollably to Lyon, Strasbourg and Rouen - political mismanagement fuelling the rage of the most impoverished of France's citizens and belying its claim to be a modern, racially integrated society.

The Guardian

Its doctors have helped identify Legionnaires' disease, Lyme disease, and toxic shock syndrome from superabsorbent tampons; stop outbreaks of diphtheria and other diseases before they could spread uncontrollably; discover the deadly Ebola and Lassa viruses; and trace paralyzing cases of polio to defective batches of the Salk vaccine.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

It might also be the best possible measure for protecting India itself: the sooner the rest of the world helps to stop Ebola where it is now prevalent, the less the risk of its spreading uncontrollably elsewhere.

The Economist

Not so, said Stanley Fischer, the IMF's second-in-command, who asserted that the emergency package for Thailand was necessary to ease the pain of economic adjustment for the Thais and to keep the crisis from spreading uncontrollably across the region.Who is right?

The Economist

But when this synchronisation spreads uncontrollably, an epileptic seizure may result, as the brain's electrical activity swells into one massive, dysfunctional wave.In this section A pearl of an idea Getting the needle A powerful beat Such a drag ReprintsSome researchers believe that brain waves may be necessary for awareness, and even for higher thought.

The Economist

But those who were nominated can't nominate anyone else, which prevents the members-only layer of the app from spreading uncontrollably.

TechCrunch

Hunters and environmentalists argue the raccoon spreads uncontrollably, threatens protected bird species and supersedes domestic carnivorans.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spread uncontrollably" to emphasize a situation where containment is impossible, such as a rapidly progressing disease or a wildfire fueled by strong winds.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "spread uncontrollably" can sometimes sound dramatic in formal writing. Consider alternatives like "expanded rapidly" or "increased significantly" for a more neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spread uncontrollably" functions as an adverbial modifier, describing the manner in which something spreads. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage to emphasize the lack of control during expansion, as shown in example contexts like diseases or fires.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "spread uncontrollably" is a grammatically correct adverbial modifier used to describe the manner in which something expands without control. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, emphasizing a lack of regulation over the spread of an event, idea, or physical entity. While effective in conveying urgency, overuse in formal writing should be avoided; synonyms like "expand rapidly" might offer a more neutral tone. Best practice involves using "spread uncontrollably" when emphasizing the impossibility of containment. Common errors arise from excessive use in formal contexts where more measured language would be appropriate. Considering the available examples, this phrase serves to highlight situations spinning out of control.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expand wildly

This alternative focuses on the rapid and uninhibited expansion of something.

grow out of control

This phrase highlights the loss of regulation over the growth process.

proliferate rapidly

This suggests a quick increase in number or amount.

escalate unchecked

This implies a dangerous or negative situation is intensified without any intervention.

run rampant

This phrase vividly conveys the idea of something flourishing without restraint.

balloon exponentially

This indicates a rapid and accelerating increase in size or scope.

mushroom quickly

This suggests a sudden and rapid increase in size or impact, like a mushroom growing.

disseminate freely

This refers to information or ideas being spread widely without restriction.

permeate extensively

This emphasizes the thorough spread and penetration of something throughout an area.

burgeon unhindered

This suggests a flourishing and expanding development without obstacles.

FAQs

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

You can use "spread uncontrollably" to describe anything that is expanding or disseminating without any possibility of control. For example: "The rumors "spread uncontrollably" through the office after the announcement."

What are some synonyms for "spread uncontrollably"?

Alternatives include "expand wildly", "grow out of control", or "proliferate rapidly", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "spread uncontrollably" or "spread rapidly"?

"Spread rapidly" simply indicates speed of dissemination. "Spread uncontrollably" adds the specific dimension of the process lacking regulation or any intervention.

Can "spread uncontrollably" be used for abstract concepts?

Yes, "spread uncontrollably" can be applied to abstract concepts like ideas, rumors, or emotions, as well as physical phenomena such as fire or disease.