he spans

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he spans" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the extent or range of something that a person covers or encompasses, often in terms of time, space, or influence. Example: "In his career, he spans several decades of innovation in technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He spans the life of television in a way – he absolutely does, from the beginning.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Through the story of her itch, he spans the breadth of medical science from neurology to obsessive-compulsive disorder, trying to find out what might be to blame.

The Guardian

Born in 1925, he spans the French musical century between Debussy and, since his name was new this week, Fabien Waksman.

The Guardian - Music

There are weaker songs as he spans the career between The Harder They Come and 2012's strong album Rebirth but, conducted through Cliff tonight, most become reviving shots of positive energy.

Independent

He spans the whole town, its length and breadth, in a thrilling and relentless tracking shot, and captures in jagged diagonals the trust-rending violence that cuts through it.

The New Yorker

He spans almost the entire length of his bed.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

He spanned the globe, searching for tales of sporting inspiration.

The New York Times - Sports

He spanned two dynasties, earning five championship rings between 1966 and 1976 while coming off the bench as one of Boston's chief reserves.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Third place would have belonged to the polesitter, Lewis Hamilton, but he span his McLaren and crashed on the final lap while chasing Button.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr von Ahn called his new idea reCAPTCHA, and when the New York Times began to use the technology to digitise its archive, he span it out into a separate company.

The Economist

Next undertaking a new railroad line from Newcastle to Berwick, he spanned the Tyne River with a six-arch iron bridge, using James Nasmyth's newly invented steam hammer to drive the bridge's foundations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he spans", ensure the subject is capable of encompassing or covering the object of the verb, whether it's time, distance, or a range of topics.

Common error

While grammatically correct, avoid using "he spans" in overly informal conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "he covers" or "he includes" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he spans" functions as a verb phrase, where "spans" is a transitive verb indicating that the subject encompasses or extends across something. Ludwig AI says this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he spans" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts and is used to describe the extent or range of a person's influence or coverage. While considered neutral to slightly formal, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in casual settings. When using "he spans", ensure the subject is capable of encompassing the object of the verb. Common authoritative sources that employ this phrase include The Guardian, The New York Times, and The New Yorker.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he encompasses

Replaces "spans" with a synonym suggesting inclusion or completeness.

he covers

Substitutes "spans" with a more general term indicating the extent of something.

he extends across

Uses a different verb and preposition to convey reaching over a distance or period.

he ranges over

Employs "ranges" to suggest variation within a defined scope.

he traverses

Indicates movement or passage through an area or time.

he spreads across

Suggests a wide distribution or influence over something.

he reaches

A simpler way to describe extending to a certain point or degree.

he includes

Focuses on the components or elements contained within something.

he embraces

Implies a comprehensive or encompassing approach.

he incorporates

Highlights the inclusion of elements or aspects into a whole.

FAQs

What does "he spans" mean?

"He spans" means that a person covers or includes a range of something, such as time, distance, or topics. It suggests a comprehensive extent or duration.

What are some alternatives to "he spans"?

You can use alternatives like "he encompasses", "he covers", or "he ranges over" depending on the context.

How can I use "he spans" in a sentence?

Use "he spans" to describe the breadth or extent of someone's work, influence, or knowledge. For example, "He spans the entire history of the company."

Is "he spans" formal or informal?

"He spans" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression. It's suitable for news articles, academic papers, and professional communications. In very informal settings, simpler alternatives might be preferable.