it spans for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it spans for" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct usage would typically be "it spans" or "it spans over." Example: "The project timeline spans over three months."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It spans, for example, investigations into societal influences (inequitable variations in care and outcome among older people, women, the socially disadvantaged, and ethnic minorities), patient safety, 14 15 unanticipated harms and benefits from treatments, and screening research.

British Medical Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It spans from 0.0 s for near stations to −12.0 s for distant stations.

Earth, Planets and Space

In species with only a single plastid, the NUPT content ranged from undetectable levels in the protists Aureococcus anophagefferens, Babesia bovis, Ostreococcus sp. RCC809, and Theileria parva to ∼65 kb for the multicellular green alga Volvox carteri, whereas in polyplastidic species, it spanned from 50 kb for Arabidopsis thaliana to >800 kb for Glycine max, Vitis vinifera, and Oryza sativa.

Genome Biology and Evolution

It spans 709 cM for the haploid genome, covering 94% of the genome of diploid alfalfa [ 8].

BMC Plant Biology

Built by Henry Ford II and now headquarters for GM, it spans 5.5 million square feet and boasts its own zip code.

Huffington Post

It spans 2.2 Mb and accounts for approximately 0,1% of the entire human genome.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Gene Regulatory Mechanisms

We chose this time period because high levels of anthropogenic greenhouse gasses were emitted during this 52-year period, it spans a long enough period for major environmental and ecological responses to climate change to have occurred, and the climate data are more robust for this period than earlier in the century.

Plosone

For the HHV-8 assays, the linear range spans 7 concentrations and for U1A it spans 6 concentrations.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Figure 1 shows the isolate genomic DNA sequence; it spans 771 bp and codes for the same Trx-1 as the cDNA.

BioMed Research International

It spans three years with an option for a fourth.

The New York Times

'To apply these calculations, we measured body size using intertegular span (IT span) for 6 B. terrestris and 5 B. hortorum individuals (see above 'Study organisms').

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the extent or duration of something, use the correct phrasing "it spans" or "it spans from X to Y". For example, "The project spans three months" is grammatically sound.

Common error

Avoid using "it spans for" as it's grammatically incorrect. Always remember that "spans" already implies a duration or range, making "for" redundant. Instead, use "it spans" or rephrase using "it covers" or "it extends".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it spans for" attempts to describe the extent or duration of something. However, as Ludwig AI points out, this construction is grammatically incorrect. The verb "spans" already implies a range or duration, making the addition of "for" redundant.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it spans for" is grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI explains, the verb "spans" already encompasses the idea of duration or range, rendering the addition of "for" unnecessary. Correct alternatives include using simply "it spans", or rephrasing with options such as "it covers", "it extends to", or "it ranges from". While instances of "it spans for" can be found, especially in Science and News & Media, adhering to proper grammar enhances clarity and professionalism in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it covers

Replaces "spans for" with a more direct and grammatically sound verb.

it extends to

Indicates the reach or scope of something, maintaining a formal tone.

it ranges from

Focuses on the boundaries or limits within which something exists or operates.

it stretches across

Implies a physical or metaphorical extension over an area or period.

it encompasses

Highlights the comprehensive nature of something, including all aspects or elements.

it includes

Similar to encompasses, but with a slightly less formal tone.

it runs from

Suggests a continuous course or duration from one point to another.

it goes from

A more informal way of indicating a range or progression.

it lasts for

Specifically refers to the duration or length of time something exists.

it reaches

Indicates the limit or extent to which something extends.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use "spans" in a sentence?

The word "spans" indicates the extent of something across space or time. A correct usage would be "it spans three years" or "it spans from January to March."

What can I say instead of "it spans for"?

You can use alternatives like "it covers", "it extends to", or "it ranges from" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it spans for" or "it spans"?

"It spans" is the correct and grammatically sound phrase. "It spans for" is redundant because "spans" already implies a duration or range.

How can I describe the duration of an event or project correctly?

Instead of saying "it spans for a week", say "it spans a week" or "it lasts for a week". You can also use phrases like "it covers a week".