ranges

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'ranges' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'ranges' to refer to a variety of things, such as a series of numbers, a set of different options or choices, or a variety of different items. For example: "The store offers a wide range of products, ranging from electronics to clothing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In Glass Wings (Bloodaxe), Fleur Adcock is as clear-eyed as always in a collection that ranges widely over lost worlds, family histories and memories of childhood, but always maintains the art of seemingly artless observation.

The Guardian - Books

Available across all the price ranges (beginning at £15) there is a surprisingly large swathe of games back on the market, including both quarter-finals at the Millennium Stadium, England v Uruguay, New Zealand v Argentina, France v Ireland, South Africa v Scotland and France v Italy.

The Guardian - Sport

Depending on whom you ask, the need ranges from 10 to several dozen million units.

The Guardian

While much of Africa has skipped the desktop internet era and gone straight to mobile tech, big name brands retail in price ranges that remain out of reach for a majority in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Guardian

This protected swath of steppe and low mountain ranges is starkly beautiful, with the coirón grasses and spiny bushes providing a habitat for rhea, tinamou, pigeon and burrowing owl.

The Guardian - Travel

UK higher education studies have found the percentage of people experiencing it ranges between 18% to 42%.

The Guardian

Other Aboriginal people watch silently as the freezing winter wind blows off the ranges and fusses among the crumpled beer cans and scorched cooking pots.

The Guardian

It moved quickly on to nearby Little Wonder, before spreading across the rest of the Black Ranges.

The Guardian

But the arrival in the past year of the Coravin, a gizmo that lets sommeliers extract a glass of wine from a bottle without opening it or spoiling the remains, has made by-the-glass ranges, particularly in London, a whole lot more interesting.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"For me, tonight is not the big deal," she says, standing on the edge of an Alice Springs suburb with the town's famous ranges behind her, as Quilliam adjusts his camera.

The Guardian - Arts

In Labour-held seats, the proportion of voters who say they would prefer Ed Miliband to David Cameron ranges from 34 points to 42 points.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ranges", ensure clarity by specifying the units or criteria being measured. For example, instead of just saying "price ranges", specify "price ranges from $10 to $50".

Common error

Avoid using "ranges" without providing sufficient context. Saying something "ranges widely" without specifying what aspects are varying can make your writing vague. Be specific about the parameters of the range.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "ranges" is as a plural noun, often used to denote a variety or spectrum of something. It can also function as a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense of "range", indicating the extent or limit of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ranges" is a versatile term primarily used as a plural noun to describe a variety or spectrum. It also functions as a verb. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and frequently used. The word is neutral in register, suitable for various contexts from news to business. When using "ranges", ensure clarity by specifying the units or criteria being measured. Consider using alternatives like "spectrum" or "variety" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spectrum

Focuses on the entire breadth of possibilities or values.

variety

Emphasizes the diversity of elements within a group.

extent

Highlights the degree to which something reaches or stretches.

scope

Indicates the area or limit to which something applies or is relevant.

array

Suggests a structured or organized collection of things.

gamut

Implies a complete or comprehensive range of something.

scale

Highlights the relative size or degree of something.

compass

Focuses on the scope or extent of something within defined boundaries.

series

Emphasizes a sequence or succession of things.

degrees

Highlights stages or steps in a progressive scale.

FAQs

How can I use "ranges" in a sentence?

"Ranges" can be used to indicate a variety or spectrum of something. For example, "The temperature ranges from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius" or "The product line ranges from basic to premium models".

What's the difference between "ranges" and "spectrum"?

"Ranges" typically refers to specific limits or boundaries, while "spectrum" implies a continuous sequence or range of possibilities. Use "ranges" when you want to emphasize the endpoints, and "spectrum" when you want to emphasize the continuum.

What can I say instead of "ranges"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "spectrum", "variety", "extent", or "scope" to express a similar meaning.

Is it correct to use "ranges" as a verb?

Yes, "ranges" can be used as the third-person singular present tense form of the verb "range", meaning to vary or extend between specified limits. For example, "The price ranges from $10 to $100".