a wider span of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a wider span of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a broad range of items, topics, people, etc. For example: "The school offers a wider span of classes to its students than ever before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

After 1900, a wider span of businesses moved in.

The New York Times

As well as having opportunities for people from a wider span of employment backgrounds, she points out that you have a greater representation of society.

The Guardian

The flattening of the corporation, for example, that was such a feature of corporate restructuring in the 1990s, left those in charge with a wider span of control.

The Economist

Other, later gangster films may offer more sociology, a wider span of reportorial detail, or just bigger and louder clamor; none packs so much so deeply, and so inventively, into so taut, brief, or brisk a span.

The New Yorker

They capture the singer in her peak years, and at top form: more relaxed, swinging and adventurous, across a wider span of rhythms and moods, than on the dozens of other albums that hit the bins in her lifetime.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's hugely important for Jaguar to expand its lineup and compete across a wider span of the luxury segment," said Alec Gutierrez, a senior analyst at kbb.com.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Gert was an exceptional person whose life embraced a wide span of activities and political causes.

The New York Times

Across a wide span of industries, a growing number of companies are giving away products and services, entwining doing good with doing business.

The New York Times

He turns 80 in July, and an important season at City Center (Feb. 24-March 14) will show a wide span of his work.

The New York Times

If he does not, the BJP's chances of winning next year by appealing to a wide span of voters will be diminished.

The Economist

But someone merely concealing wealth would perhaps not have focused on one kind of coin, with barely scratched surfaces and a wide span of dates.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a wider span of" to indicate an increase in the breadth, scope, or variety of something. It's effective for highlighting expansion or inclusiveness in various contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a wider span of" when referring to physical distances or measurements. In these cases, consider using phrases like "a greater length of" or "a wider area of" for accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wider span of" functions as a prepositional phrase often used to modify nouns, indicating an increase in breadth, scope, or extent. As Ludwig AI points out, it's frequently employed to describe a broader range of topics or items.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wider span of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate an increased breadth or scope. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business writing. It is most suitable for emphasizing expansion or inclusiveness and is less appropriate for describing physical measurements. Remember to consider alternative phrases like "a broader spectrum of" or "a greater range of" depending on the specific nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a broader spectrum of

Changes the noun from 'span' to 'spectrum', implying a range of qualities or ideas.

a greater range of

Replaces 'wider' with 'greater', focusing on the increased extent.

a larger extent of

Substitutes 'span' with 'extent', emphasizing magnitude or scope.

a wider array of

Replaces 'span' with 'array', highlighting a diverse collection.

a broader scope of

Uses 'scope' instead of 'span', referring to the extent of view or action.

a more comprehensive range of

Adds 'comprehensive' to emphasize thoroughness and completeness.

a wider variety of

Changes 'span' to 'variety', highlighting diversity within the range.

a more extensive selection of

Uses 'extensive selection' to emphasize a broad and varied choice.

a wider field of

Substitutes 'span' with 'field', indicating an area of study or activity.

a broader reach of

Changes 'span' to 'reach', highlighting the extent of influence or access.

FAQs

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

You can use "a wider span of" to indicate an increase in breadth or scope, such as, "The new curriculum covers "a wider span of" topics than the previous one."

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a broader spectrum of", "a greater range of", or "a larger extent of".

Is there a difference between "a wider span of" and "a wider range of"?

While similar, "a wider span of" emphasizes the breadth of inclusion, whereas "a wider range of" often highlights variety within a set. The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it inappropriate to use "a wider span of"?

Avoid using "a wider span of" when describing physical distances or measurable lengths. Instead, opt for phrases like "a greater length of" or "a wider area of".