3
They refused to play in the rain in spite of the crowd protested.
They refused to play in the rain in spite of the crowd’s protests. See Note at DESPITE 1 sport 1
Sports help us to keep fit.
Sport helps us to keep fit. a sport (countable) = a particular type of sport: ‘Cricket is a very popular sport in Yorkshire.’ sport (uncountable) = sport in general: ‘She writes articles on sport and travel.’ ‘I’m not very good at sport.’ 2
I need some new sport shoes.
I need some new sports shoes. She bought a bright red sport car.
She bought a bright red sports car. Use sports in front of a noun (NOT sport ): ‘a sports centre’, ‘a sports club’, ‘sports equipment’, ‘sports injuries’. 3
He makes all types of sport.
He does all types of sport. I do sport (NOT make ): ‘Do you do any sport at school?’ spread Rumours spread out very quickly.
Rumours spread very quickly. The computer mania is still spreading out.
The computer mania is still spreading. When you mean ‘grow, develop or become increasingly common’ use spread (WITHOUT out ) : ‘They couldn’t stop the fire from spreading.’ ‘Dissatisfaction with the present government seems to be spreading.’ Compare: ‘The search party spread out across the field.’ ‘Her clothes were all spread out on the bed, ready to be packed.’ squeeze The train was so full that I was frightened of getting squeezed.
