spanning in age

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spanning in age" is not correct in standard written English.
A more appropriate phrase would be "spanning ages" or "spanning a range of ages." Example: "The event attracted participants spanning a range of ages, from children to seniors."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Digital enhancement techniques image magmatic and tectonic features spanning in age from the Cambrian to the Neogene.

Tectonophysics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

So far they have amassed more than 1,550 fossils from 15 individuals of the same species which span in age from infants to the elderly.

Vice

Future VEP studies in urban woodlands should preferably include participants with a wider span in age and background than in the present study.

Urban Forestry & Urban Greening

The pre-Mesozoic metamorphic geology of Mexico is summarized in this review through the integral analysis of 11 deep orogenic systems composed altogether of more than 20 individual metamorphic complexes that span in age from the Paleoproterozoic (Statherian) to the middle Permian (Roadian, probably extending into the earliest Triassic).

Earth-Science Reviews

To address whether cross-species transmission of GIV.2 might occur between carnivores and humans, we investigated the prevalence of antibodies against GIV.1 and GIV.2 NoVs in a representative population in Italy spanning all age groups.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

But for the festival we've got a nine-piece lineup representing five continents and spanning five decades in age.

The Guardian - Music

The 2012 phenomenon was vast in scope, spanning new age consciousness-raising, hidden histories, psychedelic visions, and prophesied physical changes in both space and on Earth.

Vice

Eligible women were aged 40 79 years, spanning the broad age range in which women commonly have screening.

British Medical Journal

An effect of age on mean levels of SWB is found in our data spanning the age range from 12 to 23.

Behavior Genetics

Larger epidemiological studies which examined injuries during participation in various general physical activities in populations spanning a large age range (but with limited numbers of older adults) reported injury rates of approximately 20%.

BMJ Open

This research is the first population-based longitudinal study assessing the consent patterns in a population spanning the whole age range and in the context of a survey that is not specifically focused on health.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using "spanning in age", opt for more common and grammatically sound alternatives such as "spanning ages" or "covering a range of ages". This enhances clarity and credibility in your writing.

Common error

A common mistake is using the preposition "in" after "spanning" when referring to ages. The correct usage is "spanning ages" or "spanning a range of ages", not "spanning in age". This avoids an awkward and grammatically incorrect construction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spanning in age" functions as a prepositional phrase attempting to describe a range or scope related to age. However, according to Ludwig, this construction is not considered correct in standard English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while "spanning in age" attempts to convey the inclusion of a range of ages, it is not grammatically correct in standard English. Ludwig suggests using alternatives like ""spanning ages"" or ""covering a range of ages"" for better clarity and adherence to grammatical norms. Although found in various sources, it's best to avoid "spanning in age" in formal writing to maintain credibility. Ludwig's analysis underscores the importance of using precise and grammatically sound language, particularly when aiming for professional or academic communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

covering a range of ages

This alternative emphasizes the inclusion of multiple ages within a specific scope.

ranging across ages

This alternative suggests movement or distribution across different age groups.

across different age groups

This alternative explicitly mentions the different age groups.

covering various ages

This alternative stresses the diversity of ages included.

encompassing a spectrum of ages

This alternative uses more formal language and highlights the broad variety of ages.

including diverse age groups

This alternative highlights the presence of different age groups.

representing a breadth of ages

This alternative emphasizes the wide scope of represented ages.

varying in age

This focuses on the differences in age among individuals or items.

covering the age spectrum

This refers to covering the entire range of possible ages.

across generations

This indicates that a range of multiple generations is included.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "spanning in age"?

Better alternatives include "spanning ages", "covering a range of ages", or "ranging across ages". These options are more grammatically correct and commonly used.

Is "spanning in age" grammatically correct?

According to linguistic analysis, "spanning in age" is not considered standard English. The preferred construction is "spanning ages" or using phrases like "covering a range of ages".

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

You might say, "The participants in the study "spanning ages" from 18 to 65" or "The program caters to individuals "spanning ages" across several generations".

What's the difference between "spanning in age" and "spanning ages"?

"Spanning ages" is grammatically correct and means including or covering a range of ages. "Spanning in age" is not standard English and should be avoided in formal writing. It's better to use the former phrase or alternatives such as "across different age groups".