a broad span of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a broad span of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a range of things that are not related. Example: I have a broad span of interests, ranging from drawing to quantum physics.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

It surveys a broad span of time and is characterised throughout by a strong understanding of economics.

The Guardian - Books

A collection of 36 thiosemicarbazone analogues possessed a broad span of tyrosinase inhibitory activities was designed and obtained.

Bioorganic Chemistry

The immediate trigger for the grand ceremony that will be held here on Thursday is a number, a broad span of years: 25 of them.

The New York Times

Like its predecessors, this event offered a conspicuous assemblage of talent, representing a broad span of contemporary styles, dramaturgical persuasions and staging concepts.

The New York Times - Arts

A collection of thirty-six aromatic heterocycle thiosemicarbazone analogues presented a broad span of anti-tyrosinase activities were designed and obtained.

Journal of Molecular Structure

Digital radiographic imaging systems cover a wide range of clinical applications and can produce adequate image quality using a broad span of exposure levels.

Measurement

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

A workforce with higher skills and a broader span of knowledge will allow a change in the notion of leadership.

The Guardian

If I had a broader span of control, I don't know that I could," he says.

Harvard Business Review

Technology can also help companies craft strategies for developing innovative future leaders, and for managing more employees across a broader span of time zones, countries and backgrounds.

Forbes

More relaxed brainwaves yield a broader span of vibrations.

Vice

This time out, Waters will bring in a broader span of music from his years with Pink Floyd as well as his subsequent solo career, including new material from an album he's working on this fall.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a broad span of" when describing a wide variety or range of items, ideas, or concepts, rather than a single, specific instance.

Common error

Do not use "a broad span of" to describe a singular subject or item. This phrase is best suited for collections, ranges, or spectrums. For example, instead of saying 'The project covers a broad span of the topic,' say 'The project covers a broad range of topics'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broad span of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it encompasses a wide range or variety. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

40%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a broad span of" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates a wide range or variety of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in a variety of contexts. It is particularly prevalent in scientific, news, and academic writing. The phrase functions as a determiner, modifying nouns to emphasize the breadth of their coverage. While interchangeable with phrases like "a wide range of", "a broad span of" offers a nuanced emphasis on extent and duration. When using this phrase, ensure it modifies a collection or range rather than a singular item. Top authoritative sources for "a broad span of" include The New York Times, The Guardian, and Forbes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A wide range of

Focuses on the diversity within the extent, similar to the original but emphasizes variety.

A large extent of

Emphasizes the size or magnitude of the range.

A comprehensive scope of

Highlights the thoroughness and completeness of the range.

A considerable array of

Similar to a wide range, but perhaps implies a more organized or structured collection.

An extensive series of

Implies a sequence or ordered set within the broader range.

A sweeping spectrum of

Suggests a continuous gradient or range of possibilities.

A far-reaching gamut of

Indicates that something covers a wide spectrum or scope.

A diverse assortment of

Stresses the heterogeneity of elements within the span.

A panoramic vista of

Implies seeing a wide range of possibilities like a landscape.

A boundless scope of

Emphasizes the unlimited nature of range.

FAQs

How can I use "a broad span of" in a sentence?

Use "a broad span of" to describe a wide range or variety of something. For example, "The research covers "a broad span of topics" related to climate change".

What are some alternatives to "a broad span of"?

You can use alternatives like "a wide range of", "a large extent of", or "a comprehensive scope of" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "a broad range of" or "a broad span of"?

Both phrases are acceptable and often interchangeable. "A broad range of" is slightly more common, but "a broad span of" can add a nuanced emphasis on the extent or duration of something. Choose the phrase that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

What's the difference between "a broad span of" and "a broad spectrum of"?

"A broad span of" generally refers to a wide variety or range of things, while "a broad spectrum of" often implies a continuous range or gradient of possibilities. For example, you might discuss "a broad span of political views" or "a broad spectrum of colors".