that may spread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that may spread" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the potential for something to extend or disseminate, often in contexts related to information, diseases, or ideas. Example: "The rumor that may spread quickly through the office could cause unnecessary panic among employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Antimicrobial use in veterinary practice as food additives causes selection of resistant zoonotic pathogens that may spread to humans.

International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents

Mechanisms that may spread this virus include pollen, seed, or vector transmission, or local spread via foot grafting.

Cornell University

These practices reduce the host material and breeding grounds of pests that may spread to healthy trees.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is a headline that may spread a little happiness: a lorry transporting jars of Branston Pickle has crashed - just a few miles away from Cheddar.

Independent

Even azaleas and other backyard staples, along with common bedding plants like petunias, can harbor exotic pests that may spread to alternate hosts, said Sandy Liebhold, an entomologist with the federal Forest Service and an author of the study.

The New York Times

This study evaluated Payment for Ecosystem Services PESS) implementation in a smallholder settlement in an Atlantic forest reserve in Paraguay, designed to stop and reverse deforestation due to expansion of subsistence agriculture, which was identified to be the main deforestation or forest degradation threat that may spread beyond the settlement.

Global Ecology and Conservation

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

One of the problems that sometimes occurs with wearing thongs, is that they may spread bacteria faster than regular underwear, which can cause infections.

WikiHow

One of the faults occurring in induction motor is the rotor bar breakage that may rapidly spread to a functional failure with catastrophic consequences.

Measurement

The classic symptoms are gripping, heavy chest pain that may also spread to the jaw, back, or either arm; shortness of breath; nausea; or fatigue.

Harvard University

Fish crowded together in nets or pens are more susceptible to stress, which can foster disease and parasites that may then spread to wild species.

Columbia University

Speculators may interpret these events as yet another example of unwarranted state interference that may yet spread beyond the energy business.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "that may spread", ensure the context clearly indicates what is spreading (e.g., information, disease, influence) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "that may spread" in vague contexts. Always specify the potential scope or impact of the spreading to provide a clear understanding of the consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that may spread" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun and indicating the potential for dissemination or extension. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from diseases and information to less tangible concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

36%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that may spread" functions as a relative clause expressing the potential for something to disseminate or extend. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly employed across various contexts, notably in scientific and news-related articles. While versatile, ensure clarity by specifying what exactly is spreading to avoid ambiguity. Consider synonyms like "which could disseminate" for a more formal tone, or other alternatives to fine-tune the nuance of your writing. Ultimately, understanding the subtle differences between similar phrases will allow you to choose the most appropriate expression for your particular context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which could disseminate

Replaces "that may spread" with a more formal verb, "disseminate", emphasizing the action of spreading information or something else.

that might propagate

Substitutes "spread" with "propagate", suggesting a natural or biological spreading process.

that could escalate

Focuses on the potential for something to increase or intensify, rather than simply spread.

that has the potential to extend

Replaces "may spread" with a more descriptive phrase, highlighting the potential for extension or reach.

that runs the risk of diffusing

Highlights the risk of something spreading, using the verb "diffuse" to suggest a gradual spreading.

which is liable to expand

Indicates a probability of expansion or growth, rather than a simple spreading.

that threatens to pervade

Emphasizes the negative aspect of spreading, suggesting an unwanted or overwhelming spread.

that is apt to proliferate

Suggests a rapid increase or multiplication, focusing on the growth aspect of spreading.

that is capable of radiating

Implies a spreading outward from a central point, similar to radiation.

that has the tendency to mushroom

Suggests a rapid and expansive growth, like a mushroom.

FAQs

How can I use "that may spread" in a sentence?

Use "that may spread" to describe something with the potential to extend or disseminate, such as "a rumor that may spread quickly" or "a disease that may spread easily".

What are some alternatives to "that may spread"?

Consider using alternatives like "which could disseminate", "that might propagate", or "that could escalate" depending on the specific context.

Is "that may spread" formal or informal?

"That may spread" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

When is it better to use "that may spread" over other similar phrases?

Use "that may spread" when you want to emphasize the potential for something to extend its reach or influence, without necessarily implying a specific direction or method of spreading. Alternatives like "radiate" or "pervade" might suggest a particular pattern or negative connotation, respectively.