range over

USAGE SUMMARY

"range over" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It typically means to examine or cover a broad spectrum of topics or activities. For example, you could say, "Her speech ranged over a wide variety of topics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The priorities range over four broad categories.

The Guardian

Tillman allows her intelligence to range over many questions.

The New Yorker

Cytokine-induced signaling networks prioritize dynamic range over signal strength.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It has remained within that range over nearly two decades.

The New York Times

In these theorems, the variables range over classes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In theme Vega's plays range over a vast horizon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The car let bandits range over vast areas, as the maps in Mr. Burrough's book show.

The New York Times

Cornell went 7 of 11 from 3-point range over the first 20 minutes.

The New York Times - Sports

But that argument is lost on his admirers, who now range over three generations.

The New York Times - Arts

Though usually labeled thrillers, they range over espionage, mystery, history and adventure.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Long range over-the-air HDTV antennas can get mighty unsightly and expensive.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "range over" when you want to indicate that a subject, topic, or discussion includes a wide variety of elements or aspects. It is especially useful in academic, scientific, and formal contexts to demonstrate comprehensive coverage.

Common error

Avoid using "range over" in very informal or casual conversation. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in contexts where simpler language is preferred. Opt for more colloquial alternatives like "cover" or "include" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "range over" primarily functions as a prepositional verb phrase, indicating the scope or extent of something. It describes the act of encompassing a variety of topics, areas, or subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English, with examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

25%

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "range over" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig, primarily functioning as a prepositional verb phrase to indicate the scope or extent of a topic. It is most frequently employed in formal contexts such as academia, science, and news media to convey comprehensive coverage. While acceptable, it may sound overly formal in casual conversation, where alternatives like "cover" or "include" might be more appropriate. Ludwig's examples provide valuable insights into the phrase's diverse applications, and the related phrases offer alternative ways to express similar ideas with subtle nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

span a range

Highlights the limits or boundaries within which something varies.

encompass a variety

Indicates that something includes a wide selection of different items or subjects.

embrace a scope

Underscores the inclusive nature of something, taking in a wide array of elements.

cover a spectrum

Emphasizes the breadth and diversity of the topics or elements included.

reach across

Highlights the ability to touch multiple fields or to affect several elements.

extend across

Focuses on the spatial or temporal reach of something.

sweep across

Suggests a broad and comprehensive coverage of something, often quickly or dramatically.

go through

Indicates a review or discussion about a variety of topics or areas

address a selection

Conveys the idea of dealing with or focusing on a chosen set of topics or issues.

traverse the scope

Describes the action of investigating the full extension of a topic

FAQs

How can I use "range over" in a sentence?

You can use "range over" to indicate the scope or extent of a topic, discussion, or area. For example, "The discussion will "range over" various economic issues" or "Her research "ranges over" several disciplines".

What are some alternatives to "range over"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "cover", "include", "span", or "encompass". Each of these alternatives conveys a similar idea of covering a variety of elements or aspects.

Is "range over" formal or informal?

"Range over" tends to be more formal and is often used in academic, scientific, and professional writing. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives like "cover" or "go through" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "range over" and "cover"?

While both phrases can indicate the scope of a topic, "range over" suggests a more comprehensive and perhaps systematic coverage. "Cover" is a broader term that can imply simply addressing or dealing with something, whereas "range over" indicates a more expansive and thorough treatment.