Span

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Span" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used to refer to the extent or range of something, such as time, distance, or coverage. Example: "The project will span over two years, from 2023 to 2025."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A healthy "attention span" becomes just another ineffable quality to remember having, to believe you've lost, to worry about your kids lacking, to blame the culture for destroying.

The New York Times - Magazine

If completed, the currently nameless city would span 700 sq km (a space almost as big as Singapore), house a park double the size of New York's Central Park, and a theme park four times as big as Disneyland – all to be completed within five to seven years.

The Guardian

The "peerlessly prolific" author works with a team of collaborators on his novels, which span thrillers, romance and young adult fantasy.

The Guardian - Books

Of the few hundred conditions listed − which span from Aids to Yellow Fever − a handful include the recommendation to "see a doctor".

The Guardian

Together with partners and grantees, The Rockefeller Foundation strives to catalyze and scale transformative innovations, create unlikely partnerships that span sectors, and take risks others cannot – or will not.

The Guardian

"These birds span the whole range of human emotions.

The Guardian

Petit continued to span high and popular culture.

The Guardian

Their organizing efforts span from the expected – standing on the streets, handing out petitions and flyers – to the unusual, such as 'occupying' their workplace to keep it from closing.

The Guardian - Business

This could be down to the change in time span, or it could be a cut in spending plans.

The Guardian

My experience is that people budget a couple of hours in a gallery – that seems a human attention span when it comes to art.

The Guardian - Arts

And here they are, 1,000 little fluffy balls hurtling around their nice warm, glassed-in room, just a few days old, just starting out on their 12 weeks of life - which, in case you're feeling sorry for them, is more than twice the life-expectancy of a broiler, whose span is a mere 35 days, and those spent in the most hideous of conditions.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Span" to describe a period of time, ensure clarity by specifying the start and end points or the duration clearly.

Common error

Avoid using "Span" to imply a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Instead, use causal connectors like "because of" or "due to" for such instances.

Linguistic Context

The term "Span" primarily functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it denotes a space or interval. As a verb, it means to extend across or cover. Ludwig confirms this versatile usage, with examples showing its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

32%

Science

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Span" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and a verb, used to describe extent, duration, or scope. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and commonly found across various contexts. The examples show the term's broad applicability, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. To ensure clarity, specify the start and end points when describing a period of time, and avoid using "Span" to indicate direct causation. Understanding these nuances will enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Extend across

Focuses on the physical or abstract coverage of something.

Range over

Emphasizes the scope or variety included.

Cover a period of

Specifically highlights the duration or timeframe involved.

Encompass

Implies a comprehensive inclusion of elements or aspects.

Stretch between

Suggests a physical or metaphorical distance.

Bridge the gap

Focuses on connecting disparate elements or ideas.

Over a timeframe of

Highlights the temporal aspect, similar to 'cover a period of'.

Run from...to...

Indicates a clear start and end point of the duration.

Consist of

Highlights elements or aspects that form the “Span”.

Go from

Very similar to 'run from...to...' indicating progression between the elements.

FAQs

How can I use "Span" in a sentence?

"Span" can be used to describe the extent of something across time, distance, or topics. For example, "The project will "span several years"" or "The bridge will "span the river"".

What can I say instead of "Span"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "extend across", "range over", or "cover a period of".

Is it correct to use "Span" when referring to a range of topics?

Yes, "Span" is often used to describe the breadth of topics covered. For instance, "The course will "span various subjects"" is a correct and common usage.

What's the difference between "Span" and "Cover" when describing a timeframe?

"Span" emphasizes the duration or the entire period, while "Cover" can also imply dealing with specific aspects within that timeframe. For example, "The study "span five years"" focuses on the entire duration, while "The report will "cover the last quarter"" focuses on the content of that particular three-month period.