spreading over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spreading over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is extending or covering a particular area or surface. Example: "The vines were spreading over the old stone wall, creating a beautiful green tapestry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Nevertheless, they lead to irremovable numerical ∞ − ∞ uncertainties spreading over the whole domain of integration.

International Journal of Engineering Science

Smoke and ash are spreading over Europe.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, anarchy was spreading over Russia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All those oils spreading over my face.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She feels a foolish grin spreading over her face.

The New Yorker

The water was now spreading over the street.

The New Yorker

More than rebel exultation, clearly, is evident in the street art spreading over the land.

The New York Times

So says a senior Pakistani official, underlining the paralysis spreading over the federal government in Islamabad.

The Economist

Nevertheless, a pall of anxiety seems to be spreading over the land.

The New York Times

With the big grin spreading over his face, he probably didn't need to.

The Guardian

Its spreading over the ages was seen as slow and cold.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the expansion of abstract concepts like influence or fear, use "spreading over" to convey a sense of pervasiveness and impact. For example: "A pall of anxiety seems to be "spreading over" the land."

Common error

Avoid using "spreading over" when describing localized events or phenomena. The phrase implies a broader, more diffuse action, so using it for small, contained occurrences can be misleading. Instead, use more precise terms like "affecting" or "impacting" for limited scopes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spreading over" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, indicating the manner in which an action (spreading) is occurring. Ludwig shows many examples of its use in describing how something extends or covers an area.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

44%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "spreading over" is a versatile prepositional phrase commonly used to describe the expansion or distribution of something across a surface or area. As Ludwig highlights, it appears frequently in news and scientific contexts, indicating its suitability for both professional and general communication. While grammatically correct, it's important to consider the context and scope, avoiding its use in localized situations where more precise language is needed. Alternatives like "extending across" or "covering the area" can offer nuanced variations depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extending across

Focuses on the horizontal reach or span.

covering the area

Highlights the act of something completely concealing a surface.

expanding across

Emphasizes the increase in size or scope during the spreading.

blanketing the region

Suggests a thick layer covering a large area, often used metaphorically.

permeating throughout

Implies that something is gradually diffusing through every part of something.

diffusing across

Highlights the gradual dispersal or scattering over a surface or area.

overtaking the surface

Suggests that something is overwhelming or dominating the surface.

overrunning the land

Suggests a negative connotation of something invading or dominating.

casting over

Indicates a shadow or influence spreading over an area.

overlaying the object

Describes something being placed on top of another.

FAQs

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

Use "spreading over" to describe something that is extending or covering a particular area or surface. For example, "The vines were "spreading over" the old stone wall, creating a beautiful green tapestry."

What are some alternatives to "spreading over"?

You can use alternatives like "extending across", "covering the area", or "expanding across" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "spreading on" instead of "spreading over"?

While "spreading on" can be used in some contexts, "spreading over" typically implies a more extensive or pervasive covering of a surface. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When should I use "spreading across" instead of "spreading over"?

"Spreading across" emphasizes horizontal movement or extension, while "spreading over" emphasizes covering or layering. Use "spreading across" when the direction of spread is important and "spreading over" when the coverage is more relevant.