spread with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spread with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that has been coated or applied with a substance, typically food-related. Example: "The toast was spread with a generous layer of butter before serving."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Spread with tahini.

Independent

Spread with the filling.

The New York Times - Magazine

Spread with mayo.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Spread with whipped cream.

The New York Times

Crunchy dacquoises spread with smooth buttercreams.

The New York Times - Food

The panic spread with a vicious wave.

The New York Times

Spread with half the praline mascarpone cream.

Independent

Spread with sauce and mozzarella.

The New York Times - Magazine

Spread with about half the frosting.

The New York Times

The disorder spread with astonishing speed.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Spread with tomato paste.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spread with" in recipes, be specific about the type and amount of the substance being applied to ensure clarity for the reader. For example, "spread with two tablespoons of butter" is more helpful than simply "spread with butter".

Common error

Avoid overly passive constructions when using "spread with". Instead of saying "The bread was spread with jam", a more direct and active sentence like "Spread the bread with jam" often improves clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spread with" functions as a verb phrase describing the action of applying a substance to a surface. It indicates how something is being covered or prepared. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Huffington Post

10%

Forbes

3%

Los Angeles Times

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spread with" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe the action of applying a substance to a surface. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears in various contexts, including News & Media and Wiki articles. When writing, it's best to use active voice for clarity and be specific about the substance and amount being applied. Alternative phrases include "cover with" or "coat with". Keep in mind the phrase's broad applicability and aim for precision in your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cover with

Emphasizes the action of placing something over another, similar to "spread with" but more general.

coat with

Implies a more thorough covering, often with a protective or decorative layer. Not strictly for foods.

apply a layer of

More formal and descriptive, suitable when precision is needed.

smear with

Suggests a less careful or even messy application of a substance.

top with

Specifically refers to placing something on the upper surface.

distribute across

Focuses on even allocation over an area.

overlay with

Similar to covering, but often implies a more decorative or intentional arrangement.

broadcast across

Emphasizes wide dissemination, often used in a figurative sense.

infuse throughout

Implies a more permeating action, where the substance is incorporated throughout.

permeate through

Similar to infuse, focusing on the substance's ability to penetrate and spread.

FAQs

How do you use "spread with" in a sentence?

You can use "spread with" to describe applying a substance to a surface, such as "Spread the toast with butter" or "Spread the dough with sauce".

What can I say instead of "spread with"?

Alternatives to "spread with" include "cover with", "coat with", or "apply a layer of", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "The bread was spread with butter"?

Yes, "The bread was spread with butter" is grammatically correct, although using the active voice (e.g., "Spread the bread with butter") can often be more direct and concise.

What is the difference between "spread with" and "topped with"?

"Spread with" generally implies an even distribution over a surface, while "topped with" suggests placing something on top, often without necessarily covering the entire surface. The choice depends on the specific action you're describing.