entire span

USAGE SUMMARY

"entire span" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the entirety or full duration of something. Example: "The marathon runner completed the entire span of the race in just under three hours." In this sentence, "entire span" is used to convey that the runner completed the entire distance or duration of the race, without any breaks or interruptions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You could say the same of Moore's work over the entire span of his career.

The Guardian - Arts

"There is no such thing as a specialist for the entire span represented here," he says.

The Guardian - Arts

Which are ongoing goals for the entire span of his presidency?

The New York Times

The family history has been part of the entire span of Uruguay defying the numbers.

The New York Times - Sports

Now 69, Mr. Simon is contemplating mortality and the entire span of existence.

The New York Times - Arts

This collection of McIntosh's papers covers the entire span of his adulthood, 1917-1986.

Columbia University

(Signage designates one spot where the entire span of human history is represented by a single hair).

The New York Times

"It provides the opportunity to have a development continuum across the entire span of a teacher's career," she says.

The Guardian

But Pearlman can also move back from characters, in order to see the entire span of their lives.

The New Yorker

Upon seeing the throng, Madame Diuf has commandeered the window and fills the entire span with her magnificent self.

The New Yorker

The government's statement concludes: "The decision would benefit stakeholders across the entire span of the supply chain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "entire span" to clearly indicate that something covers the full duration or extent of a specified period, range, or area. This ensures there's no ambiguity about partial coverage or duration.

Common error

Avoid using "entire span" in simple sentences where "duration" or "period" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or verbose. Opt for simpler terms when the context doesn't require emphasis on the completeness of the period.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "entire span" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. It modifies another noun, specifying the full duration or extent of something. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "entire span" is a grammatically sound and frequently used way to denote the complete duration or extent of something. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples reveals its common usage across diverse fields, from news and media to science and academia. While "entire span" is widely accepted and understood, be mindful of potential overuse in simpler contexts. Consider using simpler alternatives like "duration" or "period" when the emphasis on completeness is not essential. By doing so, you can ensure your writing remains clear, concise, and appropriately formal for your intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

total duration

Focuses exclusively on the length of time that something lasts.

entire period

Represents the full duration of time that something lasts or exists.

whole duration

Focuses on the time aspect, emphasizing the complete length of time.

complete period

Highlights the completion of a specific time frame.

whole course

Indicates the complete sequence of events or actions.

full extent

Emphasizes the complete range or scope of something.

complete stretch

Implies an unbroken or continuous length of time or distance.

total scope

Similar to full extent, but puts more weight on the comprehensiveness of the area covered.

overall timeframe

Specifically refers to the complete duration of a project or event.

full range

Highlights the inclusion of everything between specified limits.

FAQs

How can I use "entire span" in a sentence?

You can use "entire span" to refer to the full duration or extent of something, as in "The project covered the "entire span" of the 20th century".

What phrases are similar to "entire span"?

Similar phrases include "whole duration", "complete period", or "full extent". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "entire entire span"?

Yes, using "entire entire span" is redundant. The word "entire" already implies completeness, so repeating it is unnecessary. Just use ""entire span"".

When is it appropriate to use "entire span" instead of "period" or "duration"?

Use ""entire span"" when you want to emphasize the completeness or comprehensiveness of the time period. "Period" and "duration" are more general terms.