spreading across

USAGE SUMMARY

"spreading across" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to describe something that is being distributed widely throughout an area. Example: The new technology is spreading across the country, helping businesses become more efficient.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A new conformism is spreading across Britain.

Independent

Watched the fires spreading across the sectors.

The New Yorker

That perception is spreading across our society.

The Economist

But the approach is spreading across Silicon Valley.

The New York Times - Tech

"It is spreading across your kitchen floor.

The Guardian - Travel

It is spreading across the world.

The Guardian

Nevertheless, private school chains are spreading across the world.

The Guardian

This energy is in turn spreading across the wider community.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then he noticed a dark stain spreading across his trousers.

The Guardian - Books

A small red pool was spreading across the sidewalk.

The New Yorker

"Strikeout," he said, defeat spreading across his face.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the geographical distribution of a phenomenon, use "spreading across" to convey the idea of it affecting a large area. For example, "The disease is spreading across the region", indicating a widespread outbreak.

Common error

Avoid using "spreading across" for purely abstract concepts that don't involve a physical or geographical dimension. For example, instead of "Confusion is spreading across the team", consider "Confusion is increasing within the team" or "Confusion is permeating the team" for better accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spreading across" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase often used in conjunction with a verb to describe the way something expands or distributes itself over a particular area. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through various examples, demonstrating its role in depicting the scope and method of dispersion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "spreading across" is a common and versatile prepositional phrase used to describe the expansion or distribution of something over an area. Ludwig AI identifies its grammatical correctness and wide usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media, but also in scientific and more informal settings. While it is best used for concepts involving physical or geographical dimensions, be mindful of avoiding its use for purely abstract ideas. Alternatives like "disseminating throughout" or "extending over" may provide better accuracy in certain situations. With its neutral register and broad applicability, "spreading across" remains a useful tool for conveying the extent and manner of dissemination. As Ludwig showcases, the phrase's impact is evident, and its proper application ensures clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disseminating throughout

Focuses on the act of scattering or distributing something widely.

extending over

Highlights the spatial reach or coverage of something.

permeating through

Emphasizes the penetration or infiltration of something into every part of an area.

proliferating throughout

Indicates rapid increase and spread.

reaching across

Stresses the act of extending or stretching to cover a distance or area.

expanding through

Highlights the growth and enlargement of something as it moves through an area.

covering the extent of

Focuses on the total area or scope that is affected.

traversing the area of

Emphasizes movement or travel across a specific region.

ranging throughout

Highlights variability within a certain area.

propagating through

Highlights a controlled or planned spread

FAQs

How can I use "spreading across" in a sentence?

"Spreading across" is used to describe something that is extending or distributing itself over an area. For example, "The influence of social media is "spreading across" all age groups".

What are some alternatives to "spreading across"?

Alternatives include "disseminating throughout", "extending over", or "permeating through", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "spreading across" or "spreading over"?

Both "spreading across" and "spreading over" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Spreading across" emphasizes covering a wider area, while "spreading over" can imply covering a surface. The best choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "spreading across" and "expanding through"?

"Spreading across" generally refers to the distribution of something over a surface or area. "Expanding through" emphasizes the growth and progression of something as it moves and occupies space within an area.