spanning over

USAGE SUMMARY

"spanning over" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that takes a light amount of time, space, or distance. For example, "The running track spans over a mile in length."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A total of 16 B. quintana isolates spanning over 60 years and three continents were characterized.

Plosone

In addition, periodically spaced, thin lines spanning over PMMA domains are identified.

ACS Nano

In a career spanning over 40 years, he triumphed equally in theatre, film and television.

The Guardian

Matson has a spectacular publishing record – around 800 papers in a career spanning over 30 years.

The Guardian

We have a single, uninterrupted history spanning over a thousand years".

The New Yorker

Hurst has proven success in the third sector spanning over 15 years.

The Guardian

"It is a complete building, spanning over the gymnasium but not touching the gymnasium," Mr. Moneo said.

The New York Times - Arts

A hedge fund investor would get very alarmed by a negative performance spanning over a few weeks and even months.

The Guardian - Opinion

From the release: "control an Immortal embroiled in a battle against rival Immortals in an adventure spanning over 2000 years.

The Guardian - Tech

Blinding embodies a rich history spanning over two centuries.

The Lancet

long header spanning over a wall opening that was centered at the wall's mid-length.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a duration or distance, use "spanning over" to clearly indicate the extent or reach of something. For example: "The project is spanning over three years."

Common error

Be mindful that "spanning over" implies a light range; avoid using it for emphasis when a simpler word like "covering" or "including" is more appropriate in formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spanning over" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb to indicate the extent or duration of something. According to Ludwig AI, it is commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

41%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "spanning over" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions to indicate the extent, duration, or scope of something. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for a wide array of writing purposes. When writing, keep in mind that the word implies a light range, in order to use more appropriate words like "covering" or "including" for formal situations. Overall, "spanning over" is a useful phrase for detailed descriptions of extent and duration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extending across

This alternative focuses on the act of reaching or stretching from one point to another, similar to covering a distance or time.

covering a period of

This suggests encompassing a specific duration, emphasizing the time frame involved.

encompassing a range of

Highlights the inclusion of a variety of elements or items within a particular scope.

ranging across

This option emphasizes the variability and spread over a certain domain.

stretching across

Implies a physical extension or length over a defined space or time.

extending throughout

Suggests that something reaches every part of an area or period.

covering throughout

Indicates complete coverage of the area or length.

traversing across

Focuses on moving or passing through an area or time frame.

bridging across

Emphasizes making a connection or link between two separate points or times.

reaching over

Describes something moving from one side to the other of something else.

FAQs

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

You can use "spanning over" to describe the duration, extent, or scope of something, such as "The course is "spanning over" three months" or "The bridge is "spanning over" the river".

What are some alternatives to "spanning over"?

Some alternatives include "extending across", "covering a period of", or "encompassing a range of", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "spanning over" or should I use a different preposition?

"Spanning over" is a correct and usable phrase. While other prepositions might work in certain contexts, "spanning over" accurately conveys the idea of something extending or reaching across a particular space or time.

What is the difference between "spanning over" and "covering"?

While both phrases indicate encompassing something, "spanning over" often implies a more extended duration or distance, whereas "covering" can be more general. For example, "spanning over" is better suited for "a career "spanning over" 40 years", while "covering" might be used for "covering the entire area".