spanning the years

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spanning the years" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that covers or extends over a long period of time, often in a historical or narrative context. Example: "The documentary chronicles the evolution of technology, spanning the years from the early 20th century to the present day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Spanning the years 1635 to 1778, such episodes are often heart-rending.

The New York Times

They listened to a faint recording of Cattrall reading excerpts from Calle's mother's diaries, spanning the years 1981 to 2000.

The New Yorker

Spanning the years from 1945 to 1965, this 52-film series brings together the landmarks of an outburst of post-World War II cinematic creativity.

The New York Times

This show, spanning the years from the late Italian Renaissance to late-19th-century France, includes works by Jacopo Bassano, El Greco, Gainsborough, Courbet and Cézanne, among others.

The New York Times - Books

Spanning the years between 1992 and the present, Prebble's play makes Jeffrey Skilling, Enron's top executive, the prime mover and principal villain, rather than Kenneth Lay, its founder.

The Guardian

This is one of the questions prompted by Joel Sternfeld's latest book, First Pictures, a collection of his early work spanning the years 1971-80.

The Guardian - Arts

Spanning the years 1993 to 1999 and written like diary entries, the vignettes, though grim in their piercing observations, are for the same reason both beautiful and powerful.

The New York Times - Books

Nevertheless, under a plan spanning the years 1951 60 and supplemented by later plans, a remarkable rise in power output took place.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The final chapter, set in Shanghai, spanning the years 1900 to 2000, provides the reader with a flight of fancy equal to some of the best historical riffs of "The Question of Bruno".

The New York Times - Books

On 19 October a retrospective of her commercial photography, Viviane Sassen: In and Out of Fashion, spanning the years 1998 to 2012, opens at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

On My Own is a series of short essays spanning the year after John Rehm's death in June 2014.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spanning the years", ensure that the context clearly defines the start and end dates to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "The project, spanning the years 2020-2025, aimed to reduce carbon emissions."

Common error

Avoid using "spanning the years" with a future tense verb. The phrase typically describes events or periods that have already occurred or are currently in progress. For example, instead of "The study will be spanning the years...", use "The study spans the years..." or "The study spanned the years..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spanning the years" functions as a prepositional phrase that often modifies a noun, indicating the time period covered. As demonstrated by the Ludwig examples, it helps to define the scope or duration of an event, study, or historical period.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spanning the years" is a versatile phrase used to define the temporal scope of various subjects, from historical events to scientific studies. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct and it is used in formal and informal settings. The contexts in which this phrase is found range from news and media to academic research, indicating broad applicability. Alternatives such as "covering the years" or "extending across the years" can provide similar meanings, but it's important to consider the specific context to choose the most appropriate wording. The phrase's frequency and authoritative usage make it a reliable option for clearly indicating a time period.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

covering the years

Focuses on the content or events included within the specified time period.

encompassing the period

Emphasizes the inclusion of all aspects within the timeframe.

extending across the years

Highlights the duration and reach of something through time.

ranging over the years

Suggests a selection or variety of elements from throughout the period.

throughout the years

Implies something happened consistently or continuously during the timeframe.

over the course of the years

Emphasizes the gradual development or changes that occur during the period.

during the years

Simply indicates that something occurred within the specified timeframe, without additional emphasis.

from year to year

Highlights a year by year progression.

across the timeline

Focuses on a chronological sequence.

in those years

Refers to a specific period mentioned earlier.

FAQs

How do I use "spanning the years" in a sentence?

Use "spanning the years" to indicate that something covers a particular period of time. For instance, "The exhibition, "spanning the years" 1950 to 2000, showcased significant cultural shifts."

What are some alternatives to "spanning the years"?

Alternatives include "covering the years", "encompassing the period", or "extending across the years". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "spanning from year X to year Y"?

Yes, the structure "spanning from year X to year Y" is grammatically correct and commonly used. For example, "The research project, "spanning the years" from 2010 to 2020, investigated climate change impacts."

What's the difference between "spanning the years" and "throughout the years"?

"Spanning the years" indicates a defined period with a start and end date, whereas "throughout the years" suggests a more continuous or repeated occurrence over an unspecified or longer duration. For instance, "spanning the years 1990-2000" vs. "innovations throughout the years".