spanning the width

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spanning the width" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that extends across a certain distance or area, typically in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The bridge is designed to span the width of the river, providing a crucial connection between the two banks."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Each ceiling bed becomes, in effect, a fixed beam spanning the width of the cave passage.

Britannica

The position of the labelled neurons significantly differed in all five bins, spanning the width of the CP.

Nature

To make her more foolish, Mr. Newman staged that entrance behind tacky rippling fabric, spanning the width of the stage, meant to suggest a hedge.

The New York Times

The Trapezoid microchannel was designed to produce a spatial shear stress gradient, spanning the width of the microchannel.

Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical

While members of the Princeton Steel Orchestra played, dancers from the Princeton University Ballet performed on one of the catwalks spanning the width of the atrium.

Princeton University

Ross and Cromarty, historic region, northern Scotland, spanning the width of the country from the North Sea on the east to the Atlantic Ocean on the west.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

This process continued until the team leader had counted enough to span the width of the march.

The Washington Post

A thick sandstone-slab waterfall that looms over Jingga spans the width of one end of this 65m pool.

The Guardian - Travel

About 300 such particles, placed side by side, would span the width of one human hair.

Princeton University

A sense of essential form characterizes the swimmer in "Fast Start" by Emily Trueblood from New York City in which the swimmer's arched back spans the width of the print.

The New York Times

OUTDOOR SPACE: There are the two decks and the boat dock, which together span the width of the house.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spanning the width", ensure the context clearly defines what is being spanned. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "spanning the width" in situations where the dimension being covered is ambiguous. Always clarify what the subject spans across to maintain clarity and avoid misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spanning the width" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun. This is evident in examples provided by Ludwig, where it describes the extension or coverage of something across a defined area.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spanning the width" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that describes something extending across a defined area. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English. The phrase appears frequently in science, news and media, and encyclopedia contexts, indicating a neutral register suitable for diverse applications. Effective writing involves clearly defining what is being spanned, while avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

covering the entire width

Adds "entire" to stress complete coverage.

covering the breadth

Replaces "width" with "breadth", emphasizing the extent across something.

stretching across the width

Adds the verb "stretching" to emphasize the act of extending over the width.

extending across the width

Uses "extending" to highlight the action of reaching from one side to another.

reaching across the width

Similar to "extending", but with a slightly different nuance of reaching.

traversing the width

Implies movement or passage across the width.

going across the width

A more informal way to express movement or coverage across the width.

overlaying the width

Suggests something is placed or laid over the width.

bridging the width

Implies a connection or link is created across the width.

encompassing the width

Emphasizes that the entire width is included or surrounded.

FAQs

How can I use "spanning the width" in a sentence?

You can use "spanning the width" to describe something that extends across the entire distance of an object or area. For example: "The banner was designed "spanning the width" of the building".

What are some alternatives to "spanning the width"?

Alternatives include "covering the breadth", "stretching across the width", or "extending across the width", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "spanning across the width"?

While understandable, "spanning across the width" is slightly redundant. It's generally more concise and grammatically sound to simply say ""spanning the width"".

What's the difference between "spanning the width" and "covering the width"?

"Spanning the width" implies a more active or structural connection across the area, whereas "covering the width" suggests a more passive or superficial layer. The choice depends on the intended meaning in context.