spanning a bridge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spanning a bridge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that extends across or connects two sides of a bridge, often in a metaphorical or literal sense. Example: "The new cable system is spanning a bridge, allowing for better connectivity between the two towns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

One name spanning a bridge, another undergoing a tunnel.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Our study sheds light on possible signal integration mechanisms in cells, and spans a bridge between modeling approaches based on ODEs and on Boolean logic.

BMC Systems Biology

In retreat, they safely crossed a bridge spanning a small river, the Töss, but the cavalry guarding the bridge was itself forced back.

Wikipedia

Danish architecture wunderkind Bjarke Ingels' firm, BIG, has unveiled designs for an art museum that's also a bridge spanning a river outside Oslo, Norway.

Vice

The bay is spanned by a bridge from just north of Rio de Janeiro's centre to Niterói.

Britannica

The Jadavs live on a pavement under a bridge that spans a busy highway in suburban Mumbai.

The New York Times

A small bridge spans a koi pond at the entrance to the open-plan house.

Los Angeles Times

The bridge spans a particularly picturesque section of the Almond, with rapids flowing under the single span.

Wikipedia

The rust-coated bridge spans a small river, where the main attraction is a school of abnormally large catfish.

HuffPost

The bridge spans a length of 105 feet, by 20 feet wide, and was rated with an eight-ton limit.

Wikipedia

In the Oriental Garden a gleaming white moon bridge serenely spans a pond lined with trees.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spanning a bridge" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates what two things are being connected. For example, "The program is spanning a bridge between education and employment."

Common error

Avoid using "spanning a bridge" in contexts where a simple connection or link is meant. This phrase implies a significant gap or challenge being overcome, so reserve it for situations where that sense of scale is accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spanning a bridge" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, often acting as part of a verb phrase (e.g., "is spanning") to describe something that extends across or connects to a bridge. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "spanning a bridge" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used both literally and metaphorically. It describes something extending across a bridge or connecting two distinct entities. While Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, it is important to consider the context to ensure the metaphor is appropriate. The phrase is frequently found in news media and scientific publications, indicating a neutral to formal register. Alternatives such as "crossing a bridge" or "bridging a gap" may be more suitable depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crossing a bridge

Focuses on the action of going across a bridge, rather than the bridge itself being spanned.

extending over a bridge

Emphasizes the physical extension across the bridge's structure.

bridging a gap

A metaphorical alternative, focusing on connecting two separate entities or ideas.

connecting via a bridge

Highlights the function of a bridge as a connector.

reaching across a bridge

Implies an effort to connect or extend to something on the other side of the bridge.

linking with a bridge

Focuses on the bridge's role in creating a link or connection.

going over a bridge

Simple and direct, emphasizing the act of traversing the bridge.

traversing a bridge

A more formal way of saying "going over a bridge".

passing over a bridge

Similar to "going over", but can also imply a brief or cursory crossing.

covering a bridge

Suggests something is spread or placed over the bridge's surface.

FAQs

How can I use "spanning a bridge" in a sentence?

You can use "spanning a bridge" to describe something that physically extends across a bridge, or metaphorically connects two distinct entities or ideas. For example, "The project is "spanning a bridge" between research and practical application."

What can I say instead of "spanning a bridge"?

You can use alternatives like "crossing a bridge", "bridging a gap", or "connecting via a bridge" depending on the context.

Is it more common to say "spanning a bridge" or "crossing a bridge"?

"Crossing a bridge" is generally more common when referring to the act of going over a bridge. "Spanning a bridge" often implies a structural or metaphorical connection.

When should I use "spanning a bridge" metaphorically?

Use "spanning a bridge" metaphorically when you want to emphasize the connection between two distinct areas, disciplines, or ideas, suggesting that the connection overcomes a significant separation or challenge.