spreading through

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spreading through" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process of something disseminating or extending across a particular area or among a group of people. Example: "The news of the festival was spreading through the town, exciting everyone for the upcoming event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It is spreading through China like wildfire.

The Economist

False rumors were spreading through Little Pakistan.

The New Yorker

"The chaos in A&E is spreading through the NHS.

The Guardian

Now it is spreading through parts of Europe.

The Guardian

Crack is spreading through the city like a fever.

The New Yorker

You can imagine the news spreading through the seminar rooms.

The Guardian - Books

And sure enough, mildew is spreading through my plants.

The New York Times

The gangrene of crime is spreading through France".

The Guardian

Absolute calm was spreading through my entire being.

The New York Times - Magazine

"That sense is, I think, spreading through Europe".

The Guardian

It appeared to be spreading through his brain.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the spread of abstract concepts like ideas or emotions, use "spreading through" to emphasize their pervasive influence on a group or system. For instance: "Optimism is spreading through the team after the successful project launch."

Common error

Avoid substituting "thorough" for "through". "Thorough" means complete or exhaustive, while "through" indicates movement or passage. Using "spreading thorough" is grammatically incorrect and changes the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spreading through" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often acting as part of a continuous verb tense. It describes the action of something becoming widely distributed or pervasive within a specific area or group. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spreading through" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the dissemination of something across an area or group. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. Its frequency is very common, appearing in various contexts ranging from news and media to scientific publications. While alternatives like "permeating across" or "diffusing throughout" exist, the phrase remains a clear and effective way to convey the idea of something becoming widely distributed or pervasive. Remember to use "through" and not "thorough" to maintain grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permeating across

Emphasizes thorough penetration; slightly more formal.

diffusing throughout

Focuses on gradual dispersion; scientifically inclined.

extending across

Highlights spatial reach or influence; more literal.

circulating within

Implies movement within a defined area; often used for information or rumors.

propagating among

Suggests deliberate dissemination or growth; frequently used in scientific or technical contexts.

penetrating into

Highlights the act of entering and affecting something; has a more invasive connotation.

pervading within

Implies a widespread and noticeable presence; can suggest a negative or unwanted influence.

filtering through

Suggests a gradual or selective dissemination; often used for information or ideas.

running rampant through

Emphasizes uncontrolled and rapid spreading, often with negative consequences.

becoming widespread in

Focuses on the increasing prevalence of something in a specific area or group.

FAQs

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

You can use "spreading through" to describe the dissemination of something across an area or group. For example: "The disease is spreading through the community", or "The rumor was spreading through the office".

What are some alternatives to "spreading through"?

Alternatives include "permeating across", "diffusing throughout", or "extending across", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "spreading thorough" instead of "spreading through"?

No, "spreading thorough" is incorrect. "Thorough" means complete, while "through" indicates movement or passage. Use "spreading through" to describe dissemination.

What's the difference between "spreading through" and "disseminating through"?

"Spreading through" generally implies a more natural or passive process, while "disseminating through" suggests a more active or deliberate effort to distribute something. They are largely interchangeable but carry slightly different connotations.