spreading

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spreading" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are describing the act of extending, distributing, or disseminating something over an area or among people. Example: "The news of the event is spreading quickly through social media."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Draghi said at the IMF's meetings in Washington over the weekend that financial buffers were sufficient to prevent contagion spreading to other weak economies in the currency union.

The Guardian

The three journalists were arrested in their hotel rooms on 29 December and accused of spreading misinformation about Egypt and aiding terrorists – charges they describe as absurd.

The Guardian

Yet spreading its responsibilities amongst un-named agencies hardly inspires confidence that water management won't become a political football again.

The Guardian - Opinion

What they need, therefore, is rapid panic spreading through the ranks of the government's junior partner and thus the coalition's collapse.

The Guardian

This is spreading from catering and care to the hiring of doctors and lecturers – a pre-trade-union, wild west, "flexible" market.

The Guardian - Opinion

She and a colleague, Dominic Kane, were among 20 people accused of spreading false news, bringing Egypt into disrepute, and conspiring with terrorists.

The Guardian

In spreading such information, the prosecutor argued it was attempting to "attract attention and create negative public sentiment".

The Guardian

You should always bear in mind the Streisand effect, which can have the reverse effect – spreading what you don't want to draw notice to around the internet, with the equivalent of a klaxon attached to it.

The Guardian - Tech

He added that by "spreading out into areas of different criticism" she had undermined the real reason for her resignation.

The Guardian

Maduro accused opponents of spreading rumours about Chávez's health to destabilise the nation.

The Guardian

Maduro attacked the Spanish newspaper ABC and Colombia's Caracol network for allegedly spreading lies about Chávez's condition.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spreading", consider the specific nuance you want to convey: is it about distribution, expansion, or dissemination? Choose the most accurate synonym if needed to enhance clarity.

Common error

While "spreading" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in formal writing where more precise alternatives like "disseminating" or "propagating" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "spreading" is that of a verb, specifically the present participle of the verb "spread". It is used in continuous verb tenses or as a gerund. Ludwig's examples show it functioning in various sentences related to expansion or distribution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spreading" is the present participle of the verb "spread" and is grammatically correct for continuous verb tenses or as a gerund. Ludwig AI indicates its versatile usage across various contexts. It communicates the action of extending, distributing, or disseminating. Primarily found in News & Media, it maintains a neutral register appropriate for both formal and informal communications. For formal writing, consider more precise alternatives such as "disseminating" or "propagating" for enhanced clarity. When writing, choose the word that most accurately conveys the intended nuance to improve precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disseminating

Focuses on the act of distributing something widely, often information.

circulating

Emphasizes the movement of something around or among people.

propagating

Highlights the process of increasing or reproducing something.

diffusing

Suggests a gradual dispersion or permeation.

broadcasting

Implies a wide distribution, often through media.

extending

Focuses on making something longer or wider.

expanding

Indicates an increase in size, scope, or range.

distributing

Highlights the act of giving portions of something out.

radiating

Emphasizes the emanation of something from a central point.

covering

Suggests the act of placing something over an area.

FAQs

How can I use "spreading" in a sentence?

"Spreading" can be used to describe the action of extending something over an area, distributing information, or disseminating ideas. For example, "The news is "spreading" rapidly", or "They are "spreading" awareness about the issue".

What are some alternatives to "spreading"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "disseminating", "circulating", "propagating", "diffusing", or "broadcasting".

Is there a difference between "spreading" and "disseminating"?

"Spreading" is a general term for distributing something, while "disseminating" often implies a more deliberate and organized effort to distribute information widely.

Can "spreading" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "spreading" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although in formal writing, you might prefer more precise alternatives to enhance clarity and professionalism.