in a short span

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a short span" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief period of time during which something occurs or is completed. Example: "The project was completed in a short span, surprising everyone with its efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"The attack had a profoundly adverse impact in a short span of time".

The New York Times

They will not be met easily or in a short span of time.

The Guardian

PAIRING FORTUNE Jay Williamson had two strokes of good fortune in a short span this week.

The New York Times - Sports

Whenever stocks fall sharply in a short span of time, people tend to panic.

The New Yorker

In a short span in the second half, each goalie made a spectacular save on a national team teammate.

The New York Times - Sports

Energy suppliers like collective switches as they gain a large number of new customers in a short span of time.

The Guardian - Money

Abraham Lincoln and Jimmy Carter also went from national obscurity to the presidency in a short span.

The New York Times

The Boston Red Sox were the last team to win two championships in a short span, in 2004 and 2007.

The New York Times - Sports

(Laughs) I don't know … what I like is intensity, I like doing as many shows as possible in a short span of time.

The Guardian - Music

"He's done a great job in a short span of time," Mr. Kerry said of Mr. Edwards, who has served five years in Washington.

The New York Times

In a short span of the second quarter, receiver Michael Jennings ruptured his left Achilles' tendon, probably ending his season before it began.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your context. While "in a short span" is generally acceptable, more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "within a brief timeframe".

Common error

Avoid using "in a short span" when you actually mean "in a small space". "Span" refers to a period of time, while "space" refers to a physical area. For example, saying "The exhibit was displayed in a short space" is correct when describing the size of the exhibit area.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a short span" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the duration of an event or activity. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples of its usage across various contexts, reinforcing its role in specifying timeframe.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a short span" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that something happens quickly or within a limited timeframe. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business writing. While alternatives like "in a brief time" and "within a short period" exist, "in a short span" offers a concise way to convey brevity. Remember to use "in a short span" when referring to time, not physical space, and consider the formality of your context when choosing among similar phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a brief time

Replaces "short span" with "brief time", emphasizing brevity.

within a short period

Substitutes "span" with "period", providing a more common alternative.

within a brief timeframe

Combines "brief" with "timeframe" for emphasis.

over a short duration

Replaces "span" with the more formal "duration".

in a little while

Uses a more informal tone to indicate a short duration.

in rapid sequence

Similar to "in quick succession" but slightly more formal.

in quick succession

Implies that events happen rapidly one after another.

in short order

An idiomatic expression meaning quickly or soon.

expeditiously

A single-word adverb meaning quickly and efficiently.

momentarily

Indicates something will happen very soon.

FAQs

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

You can use "in a short span" to describe events that occur quickly or within a limited timeframe. For example: "The company's profits increased significantly "in a short span"."

What can I say instead of "in a short span"?

You can use alternatives like "in a brief time", "within a short period", or "in a little while" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "in a short span of time" or "in a short span"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "in a short span" is often preferred for its conciseness. Adding "of time" is redundant but doesn't change the meaning significantly.

Can "in a short span" refer to physical distance?

No, "in a short span" refers specifically to a period of time. To describe a small physical distance, use phrases like "in a short space" or "over a short distance".