spanning decades of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spanning decades of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that covers or includes a period of many years, often in the context of history, experience, or development. Example: "The documentary provides a comprehensive look at the music industry, spanning decades of innovation and change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

We got quite a few Doctor Who propositions, spanning decades of the rambling Gallifreyan's adventures.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

ACT engages alumni volunteers across degrees (MBA, MS, SEP, and PhD) and spanning decades of classes.

Stanford University

Yes, Sunday's lineup features ensembles like the Haoles, Miss Ewa's Hawaiian Trio and the Moonlighters, spanning decades of pop.

The New York Times - Arts

Walls were tacked with pinups spanning decades of titillation from subtle Betty Grable-esque poses to 70's cheesecake.

The New York Times

But President Obama has threatened to veto the bill, saying that expanding briefings would undermine “a long tradition spanning decades of comity between the branches regarding intelligence matters".

The Guardian

In a multifarious career spanning decades of change, that was probably the first time she had been publicly adjudged by an arbitrary male standard.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

There were thirteen categories, and the nominees spanned decades of moviemaking.

The New Yorker

Their lifetimes often span decades of startling social change — from a time and place when tea parties and white gloves were de rigueur to the days of health food stores and stripper bars.

The New York Times - Books

Long known for his youthful looks and acrobatic moves which spanned decades of action movies, Li — also known as Li Lianjie — has in recent years battled hyperthyroidism, a condition that can cause fatigue and weight loss.

The Washington Post

Because this nine-hour Tom Stoppard trilogy spanned decades of mid-19th-century Russian history, philosophy and culture, strong music was needed to bring cohesion to the narrative, which boldly jumped time periods and locales.

The New York Times - Arts

The retrospective, which spans decades of work by the renowned photographer, also happens to include three years of his Instagram feed.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spanning decades of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being measured or considered across that time period. For example, "spanning decades of research" is clearer than just "spanning decades of time".

Common error

Avoid using "spanning decades of" with inanimate subjects that cannot realistically 'span' anything. For example, it would be awkward to say "The table is spanning decades of use"; instead, say "The table has been in use for decades".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spanning decades of" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to modify a noun by indicating the time period involved. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spanning decades of" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe something that extends across many years. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's most frequently found in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts, making it appropriate for both formal and informal writing. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being considered across that time period to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "covering a period of decades" or "extending over decades" can be used to vary your writing style. This phrase serves to emphasize the scope and duration of something over a considerable length of time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

covering a period of decades

Focuses on the duration aspect, replacing "spanning" with "covering" and rephrasing the temporal extent.

extending over decades

Replaces "spanning" with "extending", highlighting the duration and reach across time.

across several decades

Emphasizes the presence or activity throughout multiple decades.

over a course of decades

Highlights the sequential nature of time passing.

throughout many decades

Stresses continuous presence or activity over a long time.

encompassing decades

Focuses on the inclusion of multiple decades within a larger scope or context.

lasting for decades

Highlights the long-term duration of something.

decades-long

Uses a hyphenated adjective to describe something that has lasted for many decades.

for many years

A more general phrase indicating a long duration.

over an extended period

A broad phrase that indicates a long duration, not necessarily decades.

FAQs

How can I use "spanning decades of" in a sentence?

Use "spanning decades of" to describe something that extends or covers many years. For instance, "The museum showcases artifacts "spanning decades of history"" or "Her career is "spanning decades of innovation"".

What are some alternatives to "spanning decades of"?

Alternatives include "covering a period of decades", "extending over decades", or "across several decades", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "spanning decades of" or "spanning several decades of"?

Both are correct, but "spanning decades of" implies a general sense of many years, while "spanning several decades of" is more specific about the quantity.

What's the difference between "spanning decades of" and "for decades"?

"Spanning decades of" typically describes a range or scope, while "for decades" indicates duration. For example, "spanning decades of research" emphasizes the breadth of the research, while "studied for decades" emphasizes the length of time spent studying.