was spread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was spread" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of something being distributed or disseminated in the past. Example: "The news was spread quickly throughout the community, reaching everyone within hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Nasser was spread thin".

The New York Times

Suddenly the field was spread.

The Guardian - Sport

Wealth was spread unevenly over the country.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ebola was spread mainly among family members.

The New Yorker

Before the levees, the crawfish, they was spread all over".

The New Yorker

Reusable straw was spread out over the entire hill.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

But this Cupid was spread-eagled, totally defeated.

The New York Times - Arts

It was spreading all over.

The New Yorker

But the word was spreading.

The New York Times - Health

The news was spreading.

The New York Times

And it was spreading.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was spread" to describe the passive action of something being distributed over an area or among a group. Ensure the subject logically receives the action of spreading.

Common error

Avoid using "was spread" when an active voice construction is more appropriate. For example, instead of "He was spread the rumor", use "He spread the rumor".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was spread" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence received the action of spreading. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically sound construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

42%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was spread" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive verb phrase, as verified by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to describe the action of something being distributed or disseminated in the past. It finds common usage in news and media, science, and general contexts. When using "was spread", ensure the subject receives the action of spreading and avoid misusing it in active voice constructions. Alternatives like "was disseminated" or "was distributed" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Remember that Ludwig AI considers "was spread" to be correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was disseminated

Emphasizes the act of spreading information or ideas widely.

was distributed

Focuses on the allocation or division of something among multiple recipients.

was propagated

Highlights the reproduction or multiplication of something, often ideas or beliefs.

was diffused

Suggests a gradual spreading or permeation throughout an area or group.

was scattered

Implies a less organized or random distribution.

was extended

Focuses on the expansion or lengthening of something.

was unfolded

Highlights the revealing or gradual unveiling of something.

was broadened

Emphasizes the widening or expansion of scope or range.

was circulated

Suggests the passing or transmission of something among a group.

was dispersed

Focuses on the act of driving away or scattering something.

FAQs

How can I use "was spread" in a sentence?

Use "was spread" to indicate that something was distributed or disseminated. For example, "The rumor "was spread" quickly throughout the office."

What are some alternatives to "was spread"?

You can use alternatives like "was disseminated", "was distributed", or "was propagated" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "was spread" grammatically correct?

Yes, "was spread" is grammatically correct. It is the past passive form of the verb "spread". It indicates that the subject of the sentence received the action of spreading.

What is the difference between "was spread" and "spreads"?

"Spreads" is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb, while "was spread" is the past passive form. "Spreads" indicates an action happening now, while "was spread" indicates an action that happened in the past.