over a long span

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "over a long span" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe situations or events that take place over a period of time that is long in comparison to others. For example: "The city experienced a population boom over a long span of 10 years".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

At least not consistently and over a long span of time.

Forbes

It was written, edited, re-written, re-edited over a long span — a marathon that became a sprint in the final days.

The New Yorker

But active Twitter users of a liberal political persuasion were unlikely to have been as active over a long span of months as the users of the "TCOT" and "TeaParty" hashtags.

The New York Times

From a stylistic point of view informed by preliminary studies, it seems that boat figures have been engraved over a long span of time, suggesting the importance of the aquatic environment of the past.

Journal of Arid Environments

Lophophore hypothesis, viewpoint that conodonts, small toothlike structures found as fossils in marine rocks over a long span of geologic time, are actually parts of and supports for a lophophore organ used for respiration and for gathering or straining minute organisms to be used as food.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But an annual return to the same place over a long span of time has its own unique rewards, and at this 10th anniversary, I find it irresistible to review what has changed in a decade and to celebrate -- and occasionally deplore -- the amazing stability of life in an Italian town.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

No other country, even those with similarly militaristic traditions, has been engaged continuously over such a long span.

The Guardian

Because he did so many different kinds of work over such a long span, the book is more episodic than narrative.

The New York Times - Books

However, interpretation of age-related changes in expression across three generations, ages 5 97, is difficult because senescence can be confounded with sexual or physiological maturation, as well as secular trends occurring over such a long span of donor birth years in these families.

Aging Cell

From this theoretical base, this study intends to provide a clear picture of the stock markets of Western Europe and their volatility over a significantly long span of time;and to suggest preferences for international diversification.

Financial Innovation

We are showing you when patterns change, so the story moves along really quickly, even though it's taking place over a really long span of time".

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "over a long span" to emphasize that a process, change, or activity occurs gradually and persistently. For example, "The company's reputation improved over a long span due to consistent quality and customer service."

Common error

Avoid using "over a long span" when a specific duration can be provided. For example, instead of "The project developed over a long span", specify "The project developed over five years" when the information is available.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "over a long span" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the timeframe in which an action or event occurs. It provides context regarding the duration of the process, highlighting that it transpires gradually, such as Ludwig's example of a city experiencing a population boom.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "over a long span" is a versatile phrase used to describe events or processes unfolding gradually across an extended timeframe. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across a range of contexts including science, news and media. While specific timeframes are often preferred when available, "over a long span" is useful when emphasizing the continuous and persistent nature of the change. Alternatives include "across an extended period" or "during a prolonged duration".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

across an extended period

Replaces "span" with "period", focusing on the temporal aspect. "Extended" emphasizes the length of the period.

during a prolonged duration

"Prolonged duration" highlights the extended nature of the time frame. Emphasizes the length of time.

throughout a considerable timeframe

Uses "timeframe" instead of "span" and "considerable" to denote length. Provides a more formal tone.

for an extensive stretch of time

Replaces "span" with "stretch of time", providing a more descriptive and less formal alternative. "Extensive" denotes great length.

over a significant duration

Uses "significant duration" to emphasize the importance or impact of the length of time. More concise.

spanning a great length of time

Highlights the act of spanning or covering a long time. More verbose.

across a protracted interval

"Protracted interval" emphasizes the drawn-out nature of the time period. More formal and less common.

encompassing a lengthy period

"Encompassing" suggests inclusion or coverage within the time period. Slightly more formal.

covering a wide stretch of time

Emphasizes the breadth or scope of the time period being considered. Less formal.

through an expanded timeline

Focuses on the concept of a timeline that is expanded or stretched out. More visual.

FAQs

How can I use "over a long span" in a sentence?

Use "over a long span" to describe events, changes, or developments that occur gradually and continuously for an extended period. For example, "The ecosystem recovered "over a long span" after the industrial pollution ceased".

What phrases are similar to "over a long span"?

Alternatives to "over a long span" include "across an extended period", "during a prolonged duration", or "throughout a considerable timeframe".

Is it better to use "over a long span" or a specific timeframe?

Use "over a long span" when the exact duration isn't known or when emphasizing the gradual nature of the change is more important than the specific time. If you know the specific timeframe, it is better to state it.

What is the difference between "over a long span" and "in the long run"?

"Over a long span" refers to a prolonged duration, while "in the long run" focuses on the eventual outcome or consequences after a considerable period. "Over a long span" describes how something happens, and "in the long run" describes what happens after time passes.