spread / spread / spread.
So inflected. The weak form of the verb (*"spreaded") is erroneous — e.g.:
o "According to Ms. Lucas, Deborah Isabelle's character and 'motivation' spreaded [read 'spread'] to other students." Antonio R. Harvey, "Bright Futures," Sacramento Observer, 21 June 1995, at A9.
o "He spreaded [read 'spread'] the wealth around, throwing to eight different receivers." Ken Brazzle, "ASU Kealy Gets Support He Needs for USC Win," Tucson Citizen, 13 Oct. 1997, at C3.
o "Bobby's clean-shaven face spreaded [read 'spread'] in a wide smile." John W. Fountain, "For Teammates, Challenges Continue Off the Field," Wash. Post, 5 July 1998, at A1.
Language-Change Index — *"spreaded" for past-tense "spread": Stage 1.
*Invariably inferior forms.
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Quotation of the Day: "Insignificant details give to a description an inevitable effect of flatness; this because the reader is naturally looking for something new, either in subject or details or grace of portrayal. Not only, then, must the details be few, but each must be as telling and characteristic as possible." John F. Genung, Outlines of Rhetoric 254 (1893).
