spreading extensively

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spreading extensively" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is disseminating or expanding widely over a large area or among a large number of people. Example: "The news of the event was spreading extensively across social media platforms, reaching millions in just a few hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Spreading extensively on both banks of the Helisson (Elísson) River just above its junction with the Alpheus (Alfiós), the ancient community (the name means "large city," or "great city") was founded on a grandiose scale (371 368 bce) by Epaminondas of Thebes as the seat of the Arcadian League and as a bastion for the southern Arcadians' containment of Sparta.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This appears to be the only report of a reassortant virus generated by H5N1 viruses belonging to the 2.2 clade spreading extensively in poultry.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Tubercular lesions may spread extensively in the lung, causing large areas of destruction, cavities, and scarring.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It spreads extensively creeping stolons (horizontal, root-forming stems) and is drought-tolerant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Portuguese language spread extensively, and the upper classes quickly gained proficiency in it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Deep-sea currents are slower than surface currents, limiting the ability of the deeper plumes to spread extensively.

The New York Times

The sound has spread extensively across the poorer districts of South America where distinct variations of cumbia, such as chicha in Peru, have been born.

The Guardian - Music

Historically, excellent wine has been produced in the Hunter valley, and the production of wine grapes has spread extensively through New South Wales.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With the exception of tobacco mosaic virus, relatively few viruses or viroids are spread extensively in the field by contact between diseased and healthy leaves.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But Mr. Benn announced that four farms that had reported cattle with symptoms similar to foot- and-mouth disease had been found not infected, a sign that the disease may not have spread extensively.

The New York Times

Maoists, also known as Naxalites, have been in India for decades, but have spread extensively in recent years, claiming large tracts of isolated terrain where they operate shadow courts and governments, and draw members from local villages.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spreading extensively", ensure that the subject is something that can logically expand or disseminate, such as information, diseases, or influence. Be clear about what is spreading and the scope of its spread.

Common error

Avoid using "spreading extensively" when a simpler term like "spreading" or "growing" would suffice. Overusing adverbs can make writing sound verbose. Use it only when you truly want to emphasize the degree or range of the spread.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spreading extensively" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, typically to emphasize the scope or degree of dissemination. As Ludwig suggests, it correctly and effectively describes a wide-ranging distribution.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spreading extensively" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that emphasizes the broad reach or scope of dissemination. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. While alternatives like "spreading widely" or "broadly distributed" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use it judiciously, ensuring that it adds meaningful emphasis rather than unnecessary verbosity. It's a useful tool for highlighting the pervasiveness of a phenomenon, whether it's a disease, information, or influence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spreading widely

Focuses on the breadth of the spread, emphasizing a wide distribution.

widely disseminated

Emphasizes the act of distributing something across a large area or group.

broadly distributed

Similar to 'widely disseminated', but can also imply a more even distribution.

extensively distributed

Similar in meaning, but places more emphasis on how far the distribution reaches.

ranging widely

Implies a wide scope or variety within the spread.

growing rapidly

Focuses on the speed and intensity of growth or expansion.

expanding significantly

Highlights the notable degree of expansion or increase.

proliferating rapidly

Suggests a quick and abundant increase, often used in biological contexts.

permeating thoroughly

Implies a deep and complete penetration or spread throughout something.

increasing exponentially

Emphasizes a very rapid and accelerating growth pattern.

FAQs

What does "spreading extensively" mean?

The phrase "spreading extensively" means to disseminate or expand widely, covering a large area or affecting a large number of people or things. It suggests a significant degree of outreach or influence.

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

You might say, "The rumor was "spreading widely" among the students," or "The disease began "growing rapidly" after the initial outbreak."

What are some alternatives to "spreading extensively"?

Alternatives include "widely disseminated", "broadly distributed", "ranging widely", or "expanding significantly". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "spreading extensively" or "spread extensively"?

"Spreading extensively" is a continuous action (present participle), while "spread extensively" is a past participle (often used with a helping verb like 'has'). The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the ongoing process of spreading or the completed state of having spread.