spans between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spans between" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to mean a distance or period of time that extends from one point to another. For example, "The ancient Roman Empire spanned between 363 BC and 476 AD."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

But his relationship with G.M. spans three decades.

The New York Times

(The season usually spans early spring to early summer).

The New Yorker

Rogers is a Navy cryptologist whose military career spans 35 years.

The Washington Post

The border spans 1,900 miles across four states – California, New Mexico, Arizona and Texas.

The New York Times

EV1 spans 9,100km from Norway through the UK, Ireland, France, Spain and Portugal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Series III, Speeches (#22.1-31.45), is arranged chronologically, and spans 1921 to 1966.

Harvard University

The material spans 1848 to 1961.

Johns Hopkins University

The holding spans 1942 to 1943.

Johns Hopkins University

The collection spans 1969 to 1982.

Johns Hopkins University

Listed for $2.9 million, the home spans 2,500 square feet.

Forbes

The collection spans 1862 to the mid-20th century.

Johns Hopkins University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spans between", ensure that both the starting and ending points are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "spans from between", as "spans" already implies a connection between two points. The word "from" is unnecessary and creates a redundant phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spans between" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a range or duration connecting two distinct points. While grammatically sound, its usage is infrequent. As Ludwig AI points out, it may be more effective to consider other phrasings.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "spans between" is grammatically correct, it is not a commonly used expression. As Ludwig AI highlights, alternatives such as "extends from" or "ranges from" are generally preferred. Its infrequent occurrence suggests cautious application, potentially limited to formal contexts requiring specific emphasis. Therefore, consider the audience and purpose when choosing between "spans between" and its more conventional alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extends from...to...

Uses a different verb ("extends") and a prepositional structure to indicate a range or duration.

ranges from...to...

Employs "ranges" to suggest a spectrum or variability within the specified limits.

lies between

Indicates something is situated within certain limits, focusing on location rather than duration.

covers the period from...to...

More explicit about the time frame being discussed.

is situated between

Focuses on physical or abstract placement within defined boundaries.

comprises the interval from...to...

More formal and emphasizes a specific segment or duration.

occupies the space from...to...

Highlights the area or extent taken up within set parameters.

is contained from...to...

Implies enclosure or limitation within a designated scope.

encompasses the time from...to...

Suggests inclusion and comprehensiveness over a certain duration.

is in the interval from...to...

Denotes membership within a certain range or period.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "spans between" in a sentence?

While grammatically correct, "spans between" isn't frequently used. A more common phrasing would be to say something "extends from X to Y" or simply "spans X and Y".

What's a more common alternative to "spans between"?

Phrases like "extends from" or "ranges from" are more common and may sound more natural to native English speakers. You could also use "lies between" in certain contexts.

Is it incorrect to use "spans between"?

No, it's not technically incorrect, but it is less common. Using alternatives like "extends from" or "ranges from" might make your writing sound more natural and fluent.

What contexts is "spans between" suitable for?

Given its relative rarity, "spans between" might be best suited for formal writing where a slightly unusual phrasing won't be distracting, or in contexts where you specifically want to emphasize the 'between-ness' of the range.