span a wide range

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "span a wide range" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe the range or variety of something, either in terms of quantity or quality. For example, "The store's selection of clothing items span a wide range of sizes, colors, and styles."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The reasons span a wide range.

The New Yorker

The glass transition temperatures span a wide range.

Britannica

The works span a wide range of topics.

Columbia University

Participants span a wide range of titles and industries.

Harvard University

In both cases, however, the projections span a wide range of possibilities.

The Guardian

The five styles span a wide range of behaviors and characteristics.

Harvard Business Review

They span a wide range of ideologies, political affiliations, and academic specialties.

Columbia University

Their careers are impressive and their projects span a wide range of disciplines and formats.

University of California, Berkeley

The stories span a wide range of places and time periods.

The New York Times - Books

Today Bowdoin has a distinguished permanent collection whose 14,000 objects span a wide range of cultures and periods.

The New York Times - Arts

The UK and Ireland could also see some restriction, though the estimates span a wide range of outcomes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "span a wide range", ensure the subject clearly defines what is being covered. For instance, "The research methods span a wide range of qualitative and quantitative approaches."

Common error

Avoid using "span a wide range" without specifying what is actually being spanned. A sentence like "Things span a wide range" lacks clarity and should be made more specific.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "span a wide range" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the extent or scope of something. As supported by Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used to express the breadth or diversity of a particular subject or topic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "span a wide range" is a versatile and widely used verb phrase that effectively conveys the scope or extent of a subject. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for diverse contexts. Usage spans across scientific, news media, and academic sources. To ensure clarity, always specify the subject and its coverage. Consider alternatives like "cover a broad spectrum" or "encompass a diverse array" for nuanced expression. With a strong expert rating and high frequency, mastering its usage enhances writing quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cover a broad spectrum

This alternative uses "cover" instead of "span" and "spectrum" instead of "range", emphasizing the breadth of coverage.

encompass a diverse array

This alternative uses "encompass" which highlights inclusion and "array" which suggests variety.

extend across a multitude

This alternative uses "extend" to convey reach and "multitude" to suggest a large number.

include a variety of

This alternative is less formal, focusing on the inclusion of different elements.

run the gamut of

This idiomatic alternative implies covering all possibilities or aspects.

reach across an assortment

This option highlights the act of reaching and presents the idea of a diverse collection.

involve an extensive selection

This suggests that the phrase is an important factor in a wide variety of different scenarios.

comprehend a large scale

The alternative highlights the concept of understanding something with big proportions.

embrace a widespread assortment

The alternative emphasize the widespread and the variety together.

constitute a heterogeneous mix

This alternative use a more formal and technical tone to emphasis on the mixed characteristics.

FAQs

How can I use "span a wide range" in a sentence?

You can use "span a wide range" to describe the extent or scope of something. For example, "The curriculum spans a wide range of subjects" or "The project's impact spans a wide range of communities".

What are some alternatives to "span a wide range"?

Some alternatives include "cover a broad spectrum", "encompass a diverse array", or "include a variety of".

Is it better to use "span a wide range" or "cover a wide range"?

Both phrases are acceptable and often interchangeable. "Span a wide range" emphasizes the extent or reach, while "cover a wide range" emphasizes the inclusion of various elements. Choose the one that best fits the specific context.

Can "span a wide range" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "span a wide range" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to describe the scope or extent of something. For a slightly more formal tone, consider using phrases like "encompass a diverse array".