lengthy span

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lengthy span" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a considerable duration or extent of time or distance. Example: "The project required a lengthy span of time to complete, stretching over several months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

As Mr. Mehta made clear, the Thruway Authority's interests are best served by a smooth flow over its lengthy span -- and for that, having a tow truck on the spot and ready to go is a small price to pay.

The New York Times

The silent chef must follow a few simple, yet unforgiving, rules: any busy, attention-demanding work has to happen before baby's bedtime; recipes must easily tolerate a lengthy span between prep and finish, ideally resting at room temperature to lessen the mess and effort involved in refrigerating and reheating; and the final steps, after baby's bedtime, have to be both quiet and fairly routine.

The New York Times

It inspires, clarifies and focuses the work of individuals and preferably entire organizations for a lengthy span of time.

Forbes

However, such a neat and clean periodization should be taken with several grains of salt, since intricate continuities and discontinuities not conforming to this early-middle-late schema are to be found across the entire lengthy span of Lacan's teachings.

SEP

Despite the lengthy span of Ebola's first-ever appearance in the three countries, there may be ways to look at the last two years with an optimistic spin.

Vice

Ischemic heart disease may develop over a lengthy span of time and is often associated with left ventricular (LV) remodeling.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Certain later works unfold over extraordinarily lengthy spans of time, straining the capabilities of performers to play them and audiences to hear them.

The New Yorker

The investigation was lengthy, spanning both the 105th and 106th Congresses, and according to a Democratic report had cost over $7.4 million as of August 31 , 1998 making it the most expensive Congressional investigation ever (the Senate Watergate investigation cost $7 million in 1998 dollars).

Wikipedia

Not every book with a lengthy time span should be taken so seriously.

The New York Times - Books

The book, like Tom Stewart in his 80's, can count a lengthy time span as its greatest achievement.

The New York Times - Books

Those ahead of their game – and both Jacobs and Prada are fashion frontrunners par excellence – are far from famed for a lengthy attention span, after all.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lengthy span", ensure the context clearly defines what is being measured, whether it's time, distance, or another quantifiable aspect. For instance, specify "a lengthy span of years" or "a lengthy span of road."

Common error

Avoid using "lengthy span" when referring to non-quantifiable attributes. While "span" can imply duration, it must relate to a measurable extent. Using it to describe an emotional state, for example, would be inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lengthy span" functions as a descriptor, modifying a noun to indicate an extended duration, distance, or range. As Ludwig AI validates, it's a correct and usable expression. Examples in Ludwig show it describing time ("lengthy span of time") or physical distance ("lengthy span over its lengthy span").

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lengthy span" is a grammatically sound and understandable expression used to describe something of considerable duration or extent, as supported by Ludwig AI. Although "lengthy span" is used less frequently, appearing in News & Media and Science sources, it is a versatile phrase. When using "lengthy span", be clear about what you are measuring, whether it's time or distance. While alternatives such as "extended duration" or "considerable stretch" exist, this phrase is more appropriate for a measurable timeframe or distance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extended duration

Focuses on the duration aspect, emphasizing that it's longer than usual.

prolonged period

Emphasizes the time aspect, suggesting a significant amount of time has passed.

considerable stretch

Highlights the extent or distance covered, whether in time or space.

extensive interval

Stresses the gap or space between two points in time or distance.

long stretch

A more casual way of saying a significant amount of time or distance.

sizeable duration

Emphasizes the quantity or amount of time involved.

wide scope

Highlights the broad range or extent covered.

broad range

Emphasizes the diversity or variety within the extent.

extended reach

Focuses on the distance something can affect or influence.

significant timeframe

Directly refers to the time element, highlighting its importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "lengthy span" to describe extended periods or distances. For example: "The project required a "lengthy span" of time" or "The bridge covers a "lengthy span" over the river".

What are some alternatives to "lengthy span"?

Alternatives include "extended duration", "prolonged period", or "considerable stretch" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "long span" or "lengthy span"?

"Lengthy span" often implies a greater degree of duration or distance than "long span". Both are correct, but "lengthy" emphasizes the extent more strongly.

Can "lengthy span" be used to describe abstract concepts?

While "span" can sometimes refer to the scope or range of abstract concepts, using "lengthy" is more appropriate when there's a quantifiable aspect, such as a timeframe or distance. Otherwise, consider alternatives like "wide scope" or "broad range".