spanning these years

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spanning these years" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period of time that covers multiple years, often in the context of discussing events, experiences, or developments over that duration. Example: "The research project has produced significant findings spanning these years, highlighting the evolution of the subject matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And the dramatic change in Klimt's style during the last decade of the 19th century is strikingly demonstrated by a series of his portraits spanning these years.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Over the 107 years spanning these two studies, these measures were highly effective in curbing malaria.

BBC

Financed by big corporate budgets, these designs, spanning the years 1912 to 1958, were selling not just cars but also glamour, romance, modernity, success, happiness and the good life.

The New York Times

We hypothesised that any increase in isolated short stay admissions for childhood illness might reflect failure to manage these cases in the community over a 10 year period spanning these changes.

Plosone

These reports span the years 1953-1964.

University of Chicago

These works, which span the years 1928 to 1984, have all been recorded, but there is simply no substitute for hearing them live inside a beautiful vaulted church.

The New York Times

"I don't know if it's because everything is refracted through Boyhood right now for me, but... what I love about Boyhood is that spanning these 12 years, you see that the characters at the end of the movie are so obviously different than they were at the beginning, and yet they're still clearly the same people.

The Guardian - Film

The collection spans the years 1958-1974.

University of Chicago

The materials span the years 1968 to 1969.

University of Chicago

This series spans the years 1964-1978.

University of Chicago

The collection spans the years 1936 to 1985.

Johns Hopkins University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spanning these years" to clearly define a specific timeframe when discussing developments, changes, or events that occur consistently throughout those years.

Common error

Avoid using "spanning these years" without clearly defining the years you are referring to. Ensure the context provides a specific start and end date for the period to be understood by the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spanning these years" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun, indicating the period covered. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it correctly describes a time frame encompassing multiple years, often highlighting developments within that duration. For example, "portraits spanning these years".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

34%

Academia

34%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "spanning these years" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to define a period covering multiple years. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is effective in highlighting developments within that timeframe. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, indicating its versatility and broad applicability. When using "spanning these years", ensure the context provides a clear start and end date for the period to enhance clarity for the reader. Alternatives such as "covering these years" or "during these years" can be used depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

covering these years

A more direct alternative indicating inclusion.

encompassing these years

Emphasizes a comprehensive inclusion of the years.

across these years

Focuses on encompassing a duration.

during these years

Indicates events happening within the timeframe.

in these years

Simpler phrasing to denote time period.

throughout these years

Emphasizes continuous presence or action.

through these years

Shows progression across the period.

over these years

Highlights change or development during a period.

in the course of these years

Highlights the unfolding of events during the years.

over the period of these years

More formal way of specifying a duration.

FAQs

How can I use "spanning these years" in a sentence?

You can use "spanning these years" to describe a period during which something occurs or develops. For example, "The company experienced significant growth spanning these years."

What are some alternatives to "spanning these years"?

Some alternatives include "covering these years", "during these years", or "throughout these years", depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "spanning these years" or "over these years"?

Both "spanning these years" and "over these years" are acceptable, but "spanning these years" often implies a continuous or encompassing action or development across the entire period.

What is the difference between "spanning these years" and "through these years"?

"Spanning these years" suggests that something extends or covers the entire duration, while "through these years" emphasizes progression or movement across the same period.