spreading overhead

USAGE SUMMARY

'spreading overhead' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use this phrase to describe the sky, sun, clouds, stars, etc. For example: "The stars were twinkling, spreading overhead like a blanket."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It is true that every commodity is produced along what economists call a "cost curve" — raising output may lower average or marginal unit costs by spreading overhead or achieving economies of scale, but it may also raise costs by forcing up the cost of inputs or incurring diseconomies of scale.

The New Yorker

The producer cuts costs with a combination of effects; these include spreading overhead over larger volume, reducing inventory costs as the process becomes more rational and throughput time drops, cutting labor costs with process improvements, achieving greater division of labor, and improving efficiency through greater familiarity with the process on the part of the work force and management.

Harvard Business Review

Weak sales will tank production, spawning inefficiencies and spreading overhead costs over fewer units of output.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Locally owned stores argue that they may be expensive, but claim that's partly because, unlike chains, they can't spread overhead costs across multiple locations.

The New Yorker

Multi-national businesses engaged in global trade have benefitted from the growth of low-wage work forces in developing countries, lower net corporate taxes relative to profits, lower interest rates on corporate bonds, and larger markets across which to spread overhead.

Huffington Post

I can also lower prices by lowering costs by spreading fixed overhead over two stores.

Harvard Business Review

The historically inclined will recognize a resemblance to Perpendicular Gothic, a style that has long evoked spreading foliage overhead.

The New York Times

Most of the financial benefit to producers, they say, will come from spreading fixed overhead costs, like electricity, over a wider product base.

The New York Times

A fund's expense ratio should go down when its assets go up, spreading fixed overhead over more customer dollars.

Forbes

In the name of low investment in facilities and spreading their overheads, they add products, markets, technologies, processes, quality levels, and supporting services which conflict and compete with each other and compound expense.

Harvard Business Review

Amazon gets to spread its overhead over additional volume; Toys RR" Us gets an efficient internet distribution system after failing to build one on its own.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing business finances, use "spreading overhead" to illustrate how increasing production volume can reduce per-unit costs.

Common error

Don't use "spreading overhead" when referring to the physical distribution of goods or services. The phrase primarily relates to cost allocation in business.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spreading overhead" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of allocating fixed costs across a greater number of units or activities, which, according to Ludwig, is grammatically correct. It illustrates a key concept in cost management and business strategy.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "spreading overhead" is a grammatically sound and professionally relevant term used to describe the distribution of fixed costs across a larger volume of production. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is valid and useful in the English language. Predominantly found in news, business, and scientific contexts, "spreading overhead" explains how businesses can reduce per-unit costs and improve profitability. Related phrases such as "distributing overhead costs" and "allocating fixed costs" offer alternative ways to convey similar concepts. When using this phrase, ensure it's within a financial or business context, differentiating it from physical distribution. Overall, mastering "spreading overhead" is beneficial for clear communication in business and economic discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distributing overhead costs

Focuses more explicitly on the financial aspect of allocating overhead expenses.

allocating fixed costs

Highlights the allocation of costs that do not change with production volume.

dispersing fixed expenses

Emphasizes the scattering of unchanging costs across different areas.

amortizing overhead

Suggests gradually writing off the initial cost of an asset over a period.

covering overhead expenses

Highlights the act of providing enough revenue to pay for overhead costs.

absorbing overhead costs

Implies that the costs are being included as part of the total cost of products or services.

internalizing overhead costs

Focuses on making overhead costs a part of regular operational calculations.

managing overhead

Highlights the control and direction of overhead expenses.

reducing overhead burden

Emphasizes the lessening of the impact of overhead on the financial state.

minimizing overhead expenses

Focuses on reducing the amount spent on overhead costs.

FAQs

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

You can use "spreading overhead" to describe how fixed costs are distributed across a larger number of units, reducing the cost per unit.

What does "spreading overhead" mean in business?

In business, "spreading overhead" means distributing fixed costs over a larger production volume to decrease the per-unit cost.

What are some alternatives to "spreading overhead"?

Alternatives include "distributing overhead costs", "allocating fixed costs", or "covering overhead expenses" depending on the context.

How does "spreading overhead" benefit a company?

"Spreading overhead" benefits a company by reducing the per-unit cost of production, which can lead to higher profit margins.