span

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'span' is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used as a noun to refer to a period or a range of times, such as in the phrase "a span of ten years," or it can be used as a verb to refer to a range, such as in the phrase "spanning the globe." For example, you could say, "The span of time between when the first dinosaurs appeared and when they became extinct was millions of years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A healthy "attention span" becomes just another ineffable quality to remember having, to believe you've lost, to worry about your kids lacking, to blame the culture for destroying.

The New York Times - Magazine

If completed, the currently nameless city would span 700 sq km (a space almost as big as Singapore), house a park double the size of New York's Central Park, and a theme park four times as big as Disneyland – all to be completed within five to seven years.

The Guardian

The "peerlessly prolific" author works with a team of collaborators on his novels, which span thrillers, romance and young adult fantasy.

The Guardian - Books

Of the few hundred conditions listed − which span from Aids to Yellow Fever − a handful include the recommendation to "see a doctor".

The Guardian

Together with partners and grantees, The Rockefeller Foundation strives to catalyze and scale transformative innovations, create unlikely partnerships that span sectors, and take risks others cannot – or will not.

The Guardian

"These birds span the whole range of human emotions.

The Guardian

Petit continued to span high and popular culture.

The Guardian

Their organizing efforts span from the expected – standing on the streets, handing out petitions and flyers – to the unusual, such as 'occupying' their workplace to keep it from closing.

The Guardian - Business

This could be down to the change in time span, or it could be a cut in spending plans.

The Guardian

My experience is that people budget a couple of hours in a gallery – that seems a human attention span when it comes to art.

The Guardian - Arts

And here they are, 1,000 little fluffy balls hurtling around their nice warm, glassed-in room, just a few days old, just starting out on their 12 weeks of life - which, in case you're feeling sorry for them, is more than twice the life-expectancy of a broiler, whose span is a mere 35 days, and those spent in the most hideous of conditions.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "span" to describe a period, ensure that the units of time are clearly stated (e.g., "a span of five years" is clearer than "a long span").

Common error

Avoid using "span" interchangeably with "period" in all contexts. "Span" emphasizes the extent or range, while "period" simply denotes a length of time. For instance, say "over a period of five years" instead of "over a span of five years" if the emphasis is simply on the duration, not the extent of activity during that time.

Linguistic Context

Span functions primarily as a verb or a noun. As a verb, it indicates the act of extending across a space or time. As a noun, it denotes the extent or duration between two points. Ludwig's examples showcase the versatile application of "span" across varied contexts, confirming its role in defining scope or range.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "span" is a versatile term used to describe the extent or duration of something, functioning as both a noun and a verb. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it is commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific domains. When writing, remember that "span" emphasizes the extent or range, so ensure its usage aligns with the intended meaning. It's also important to avoid overuse, considering alternatives like "encompass", "extend", or "cover" to maintain clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encompass

Focuses on inclusion and coverage within a defined scope.

extend

Emphasizes the act of reaching or stretching out in space or time.

cover

Highlights the idea of providing protection or dealing with all aspects of something.

range

Stresses the variety or limits between specified points.

traverse

Focuses on the act of moving across or through something.

bridge

Implies connecting two separate entities or periods.

last

Refers to the duration or continuation of something over time.

spread across

Indicates a distribution over an area or group.

occupy

Highlights the use of space or time.

stretch

Focuses on the extension in length or time, often implying effort.

FAQs

How can I use "span" in a sentence?

You can use "span" to describe the extent or duration of something, such as "The bridge "spans the river"" or "The project will "span three years"".

What are some alternatives to the word "span"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "encompass", "extend", or "cover" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to use "span" to refer to a short period of time?

Yes, "span" can refer to both short and long periods of time. For example, you can say "In the "span of a moment", everything changed."

What is the difference between "span" and "period"?

"Span" typically implies a range or extent, while "period" simply refers to a length of time. For example, "the "span of his career"" highlights the entire duration and activities, whereas "during that period" focuses solely on the time frame.