[Vocabulary] Spread and Spread out

[gurpreetgill4u]

Hello,

I would really appreciate it if someone could explain the difference between "spread" and "spread out".

Thank you for your consideration.

 

[Rover_KE]

Please write complete sentences including 'spread [out]'.

 

[gurpreetgill4u]

I had to spread the sheet to see the design.

I had to spread out the sheet to see the design.

Basically, I am trying to understand the usage of preposition "out" here. Is it really necessary to add "out" in this case?

Thank you for your time.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

The second is more natural. When we open something (like a newspaper or map), we spread it out. When we apply something (like butter or cement), we spread it. When we distribute something widely (like news or grass seed), we spread it around.