Phrasal verb
spread out
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
spread out
Past
spread out
Past participle
spread out
Definition
phrasal verb. to move apart so that you cover a larger area; you use this when people or things need more space between them.
phrasal verb. to extend over a wider area or to increase the distance between members of a group. This phrasal verb can be used both transitively and intransitively.
Examples
“The hikers spread out to search the entire field.”
“If we spread out across the park, we will have a better chance of finding the lost keys.”
“The suburbs continued to spread out into the surrounding countryside, eventually merging with the neighboring towns.”
Examples
simple
“The hikers spread out to search the entire field.”
contextual
“If we spread out across the park, we will have a better chance of finding the lost keys.”
complex
“The suburbs continued to spread out into the surrounding countryside, eventually merging with the neighboring towns.”
Usage
often used with 'across' or 'over' to describe the area being covered.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'scatter' which implies a more chaotic or random movement; 'spread out' often suggests a purposeful expansion or organization.
Pitfall
The papers were spreaded out on the desk.
The papers were spread out on the desk.
the past tense and past participle of 'spread' is 'spread', not 'spreaded'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
optional
Pattern
spread (+ object) + out
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/spread-out