span of water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "span of water" is not commonly used in written English and may not convey a clear meaning.
It could potentially be used in contexts discussing the extent or range of a body of water, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "The span of water between the two shores was breathtaking, stretching as far as the eye could see."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"That's a lower fence with a span of water on the other side," intoned the commentator.

The Guardian - Sport

Between the ocean's bright blue surface and its blackest depths — 660 to 3,300 feet below — is a mysterious, dark span of water.

The New York Times - Science

The two restaurants face each other across the lazy currents of the Neisse River -- a span of water so narrow and shallow it seems less a dividing line than a nuisance.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Using a satellite to peer beneath layers of dust and ice at Mars' south pole, scientists have detected a 12-mile-wide span of briny water, a large, stable reservoir akin to lakes buried beneath the Antarctic ice sheet on Earth.

Los Angeles Times

The residents of Delray Beach were preoccupied part of the season with a contest to select a name for a new bridge, spanning a body of water at the foot of that community's Eight Street.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, March 12 , 1949P. 19 The residents of Delray Beach were preoccupied part of the season with a contest to select a name for a new bridge, spanning a body of water at the foot of that community's Eight Street.

The New Yorker

A couple of rickety boards spanned the trickle of water, but Adam leaped across.

Johns Hopkins University

Performance relations spanned the range of water level change anticipated under the proposed water management plans.

Plosone

The first span of the Blue Water Bridge opened between Port Huron and Point Edward, Ontario, in 1938.

Wikipedia

This 19km road and rail bridge, spanning a 16km stretch of water separating Denmark from Germany, was finally approved by the German government in late June after disagreements over financing costs were resolved.

The Economist

Worse, the municipality of Istanbul is currently building a new metro line across the Golden Horn a mock-suspension bridge that is much bigger and louder than is needed to span the narrow body of water — and that will obstruct views of the time-honored silhouette of that real Ottoman masterpiece, the Suleymaniye Mosque.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing distances across bodies of water, consider more common and precise alternatives like "stretch of water" or "distance across the water" for improved clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "span of water" excessively in formal contexts. While grammatically correct, it can sound unusual. Opt for clearer and more conventional phrases such as "expanse of water" or "stretch of water" for better readability and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "span of water" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes the distance or extent across a body of water. While grammatically correct, its usage is infrequent, as noted by Ludwig AI. It serves to quantify or describe a dimension of a water body.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "span of water" refers to the distance across a body of water. While grammatically sound, it's not a commonly used expression, with Ludwig AI confirming its relative infrequency. More common alternatives include "expanse of water" and "stretch of water". The expression is typically found in news articles and scientific texts. When writing, consider opting for more conventional phrases to enhance clarity and readability. Although not incorrect, "span of water" may sound unusual to native English speakers and less impactful than other similar options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stretch of water

Focuses on the linear extent of the water body, similar to "span" but with a slightly different emphasis.

expanse of water

Emphasizes the broad, open area covered by the water, differing in focus from the distance "span" implies.

body of water

A more general term referring to a collection of water, lacking the specific connotation of distance or measurement.

area of water

Highlights the surface area covered by water, shifting the focus from linear distance to two-dimensional space.

distance across the water

Explicitly mentions the measurable distance across a water body, providing a more direct and literal alternative.

reach of water

Indicates the extent or range of water, similar to "span" but emphasizing the limit or boundary.

extent of the water body

A formal way of expressing the overall area or range covered by a water formation.

length of the water

Specifically refers to the linear measurement of water, suitable when the length is the key aspect.

width of the water

Specifically refers to the measurement of water width, appropriate when the width is being discussed

waterway distance

Refers to the length of a navigable water route, relevant when discussing transportation or navigation.

FAQs

What does "span of water" mean?

The phrase "span of water" refers to the distance or extent across a body of water. It's not a commonly used expression, and alternatives like "stretch of water" or "expanse of water" might be clearer.

What can I say instead of "span of water"?

You can use alternatives like "expanse of water", "stretch of water", or "body of water" depending on the context. These alternatives are more commonly used and easily understood.

Is "span of water" grammatically incorrect?

No, "span of water" is not grammatically incorrect, but it is not a very common or idiomatic phrase. While understandable, it might sound slightly awkward to native English speakers. Consider using more typical alternatives.

When is it appropriate to use "span of water"?

It's appropriate to use "span of water" when you specifically want to emphasize the distance or measurement across a body of water. However, in most cases, more common alternatives like "stretch of water" or "expanse of water" are preferable for clarity and naturalness.