spanning a wide array

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spanning a wide array" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that covers or includes a diverse range of items, topics, or aspects. Example: "The conference will feature speakers spanning a wide array of industries, from technology to healthcare."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The site revolves around helping users make decisions spanning a wide array of topics.

TechCrunch

Consequently, PCA has been applied to numerous important data problems spanning a wide array of scientific fields.

Journal of Big Data

Hunch was recently launched by Flickr co-founder Caterina Fake as a platform to help users make decisions spanning a wide array of topics.

TechCrunch

But technological progress in genotyping has opened the possibilities towards (hypothesis-generating) genomic screens and novel opportunities to explore polygenetic perspectives, now spanning a wide array of possible analyses falling under the term Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS).

European Neuropsychopharmacology

Results from the ongoing clinical trials with B-cell targeted biologics spanning a wide array of mechanisms will greatly increase our understanding of autoimmune diseases and will provide the basis for optimally matching the therapeutic approach to a given patient population to improve clinical efficacy while minimizing potential side effects.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

His knowledge and skills span a wide array (e.g., woodworking, modeling, casting, materials, and drawing).

International Journal of STEM Education

The John Carpenter-indebted instrumental work of S U R V I V E is their best-seller, but their catalog spans a wide array of genres: dueling synth/guitar drones (Sungod, Thousand Foot Whale Claw), looping sound collages (Silent Land Time Machine), dark synth pop (Flatliner), hardwave techno (Dylan Cameron), and harmoniously beautiful modular work from audio/visual duo Curved Light.

Vice

The functional annotations of these targets span a wide array of biological processes and have previously been reviewed in detail (Murphy 2006).

Biogerontology

Although the reasons for these disparities span a wide array of hypotheses, this study begins by looking at the geographic distribution of CNR of NSS+ve TB across the administrative units of Pakistan.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Empirical examples of divergence with gene flow span a wide array of organisms (Pinho and Hey 2010), including salamanders (Niemiller et al. 2008), lizards (Rosenblum et al. 2007), plants (Osborne et al. 2013), and butterflies (Stölting et al. 2013).

Genome Biology and Evolution

Products with direct dermal and inhalation exposures span a wide array of purposes: household cleaning products for furniture, toilet bowls, glass, carpets, etc.; pesticides (including those used on pets); dry cleaning fluids; pre-sale treatments of carpets and draperies for stain resistance and their backings with flame retardants; air fresheners, containing perfumes and aerosol propellants.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spanning a wide array" to effectively communicate that a topic, concept, or item covers a large and varied assortment of things. It adds sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "spanning a wide array" when a simpler phrase like "including many" or "covering various" would suffice. This keeps your writing clear and concise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spanning a wide array" functions as a modifier, typically describing a noun or noun phrase. It indicates the scope or extent of coverage of that noun. Ludwig's examples show its usage across diverse scientific fields and news articles, confirming its adaptability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spanning a wide array" is a versatile phrase used to describe something that covers a large and varied assortment of things. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and primarily used in scientific and news contexts. While useful for adding sophistication to writing, it's important to avoid overuse in simple contexts where more concise phrasing would be preferable. Consider alternatives such as "covering a broad spectrum" or "encompassing a diverse range" to maintain clarity. When used appropriately, "spanning a wide array" effectively conveys the breadth and diversity of the subject being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

covering a broad spectrum

Emphasizes the breadth of coverage, focusing on the range rather than the specific items.

encompassing a diverse range

Highlights the inclusion of different elements within a defined scope.

including a multitude of

Focuses on the numerous elements included, rather than the extent of coverage.

covering a diverse assortment

Stresses the variety of items being covered within the scope.

ranging across numerous types

Highlights the variation and quantity of types included within the scope.

extending to various fields

Implies an outreach to different disciplines or areas of expertise.

incorporating a wide selection

Focuses on the choice of elements, emphasizing the breadth of the selection.

spreading across many areas

Emphasizes the dispersion of influence or coverage across different zones.

involving a broad collection

Highlights the engagement of a large set of items or elements.

traversing diverse categories

Stresses the movement or coverage across different classifications or groups.

FAQs

What does "spanning a wide array" mean?

It means encompassing or covering a diverse range of items, topics, or aspects. It suggests a broad scope that includes many different things.

How can I use "spanning a wide array" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe something that covers many different areas or aspects, for example: "The curriculum is designed to cover topics "spanning a wide array" of subjects."

What are some alternatives to "spanning a wide array"?

Alternatives include "covering a broad spectrum", "encompassing a diverse range", or "including a multitude of". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "spanning a wide array" formal or informal?

It is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts, but potentially too verbose for very informal settings.