spreading like wildfire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spreading like wildfire" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a common idiom that means something is spreading quickly and uncontrollably. Example: The rumors about the CEO's resignation were spreading like wildfire throughout the office.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"It's spreading like wildfire".

The New York Times

All kinds of green ideas are spreading like wildfire in the housing market.

The Economist

Bad radio reception didn't stop broadcasted racism from spreading like wildfire.

The Guardian

The monthly event, which began in London last year, is spreading like wildfire.

The Guardian

So the buzz is spreading like wildfire in the halls of Glen Ridge High -- Julia Roberts is a snob.

The New York Times

"Then when the anti-Semitism began spreading like wildfire, every Jew begins to take the conflict personally.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Recipes, like one for homemade yogurt, "spread like wildfire" in the community, she said.

The New York Times - Food

The rumour spread "like wildfire" and Ommanney started receiving hate mail.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He says the game "spread like wildfire" when he introduced it to young school students.

The Guardian - Sport

Word spread like wildfire.

The Guardian

News of the arrests spread like wildfire.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spreading like wildfire", ensure the context clearly indicates rapid and often uncontrollable dissemination. It's best suited for describing trends, information, or phenomena that are quickly gaining widespread reach.

Common error

Avoid using "spreading like wildfire" to describe situations where the spread is gradual or controlled. The idiom's power comes from its implication of rapid and uncontained expansion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spreading like wildfire" functions as an idiomatic expression. It's used to describe something that is disseminating or becoming prevalent very quickly and uncontrollably, similar to how a wildfire rapidly spreads across a landscape. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "spreading like wildfire" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the rapid and uncontrollable dissemination of something, be it information, a trend, or a disease. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is appropriate for use in written English. Its usage is most prevalent in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral register, but it can be used in different contexts as well. When using this phrase, ensure that the context implies a quick, extensive, and potentially uncontrollable spread. Alternatives like "gaining rapid traction" or "proliferating rapidly" can be considered for a nuanced change in meaning. Avoid overusing the idiom in situations that lack the element of rapid and uncontained expansion. Overall, the phrase is a powerful way to convey the speed and extent of something becoming widespread.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

catching on fast

Indicates quick adoption or acceptance by a wide audience.

gaining rapid traction

Focuses on the gaining momentum aspect of rapid spread.

skyrocketing in popularity

Specifically refers to a rapid increase in popularity.

proliferating rapidly

Emphasizes the quick increase in number or extent.

mushrooming quickly

Suggests rapid and uncontrolled growth or spread.

taking the world by storm

Highlights the impactful and widespread nature of the spread.

experiencing exponential growth

Highlights the accelerating rate of spread or increase.

ballooning quickly

Implies a rapid increase in size or scope.

advancing swiftly

Focuses on the fast pace of progress or expansion.

racing ahead

Conveys a sense of speed and forward movement.

FAQs

What does "spreading like wildfire" mean?

The idiom "spreading like wildfire" means something is disseminating or growing very rapidly and uncontrollably. It suggests a fast and wide reach, similar to how a wildfire quickly consumes everything in its path.

How can I use "spreading like wildfire" in a sentence?

You can use "spreading like wildfire" to describe news, trends, diseases, or anything that is rapidly becoming widespread. For example: "The rumor about the company's acquisition is "spreading like wildfire"."

What can I say instead of "spreading like wildfire"?

You can use alternatives like "gaining rapid traction", "proliferating rapidly", or "taking the world by storm", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "spread like wildfire" grammatically correct?

Yes, "spread like wildfire" is grammatically correct as the past tense of "spreading like wildfire". For example: "The news "spread like wildfire" after the official announcement."