they span

USAGE SUMMARY

"they span" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it as a verb when referring to two or more people or things that cover something over a large area or range. Example: "The couple's love for each other spanned decades and stayed strong throughout every event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They span the political spectrum.

The New York Times

At their thickest, they span 792 vertical metres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Printed in chronological order, they span more than 40 years.

The Guardian

They span every sector you could possibly imagine.

The Guardian - Tech

What's more is they span every possible age, role and hierarchy too.

The Guardian - Tech

A Southampton Old-Timer German restaurants may not be numerous but they span the Island.

The New York Times

Time stopped as they span back and forth, inspecting the huddle of novice divers.

Independent

They span years darkened by Fascism, Nazism, civil wars, revolutions, and the atomic bomb.

The New Yorker

They span 50 nationalities, including Japanese, Koreans, Chinese, Dutch, South Africans and South Americans.

Independent

They span the planet, allocating resources as they see fit and competing to win customers.

The Economist

The issues are far bigger than individual institutions; they span geographic regions, student phases, cultures and communities.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they span" to indicate a range, extent, or duration that encompasses multiple points or elements. For instance, "The artist's works span several decades." This provides a clear sense of the scope being covered.

Common error

Avoid using "they spans". The verb "span" should agree with the plural pronoun "they". Always use the base form of the verb with plural subjects: "they span".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they span" functions as a verb phrase indicating the extent or scope that multiple entities cover. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it correctly expresses that the subjects extend across a certain range, period, or set of possibilities. The examples showcase various contexts where "they span" is employed to describe the breadth or reach of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

43%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they span" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe the extent, range, or duration covered by multiple entities. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and appropriateness in written English. It appears most commonly in news and media contexts, as well as in scientific literature, indicating its versatility. When using this phrase, ensure subject-verb agreement, avoiding the incorrect form "they spans". Alternatives such as "they cover" or "they encompass" can be used for variety. Overall, it is a reliable way to convey the scope or reach of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they cover

Replaces "span" with "cover", focusing on the act of including or dealing with a range of topics or area.

they encompass

Uses a more formal verb, "encompass", suggesting a comprehensive inclusion within a defined scope.

they extend to

Shifts the focus to the reach or continuation of something to a specified limit or area.

they range across

Highlights the variation or distribution within a set of possibilities or categories.

they stretch over

Implies a physical or metaphorical extension across a distance or period.

they spread across

Suggests a broader, less defined distribution over an area or range.

they include

Focuses on the act of containing specific items or elements within a larger set.

they run from...to...

Specifies the boundaries or limits of the range, providing a clear starting and ending point.

they traverse

Implies movement or passage through an area or subject range.

they reach from

Highlights the starting point of coverage or influence.

FAQs

How can I use "they span" in a sentence?

Use "they span" to indicate that multiple entities cover a certain range or period. For example, "The courses "they span" offer comprehensive training."

What are some alternatives to "they span"?

You can use phrases like "they cover", "they encompass", or "they range across" to express a similar meaning depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "they spans" instead of "they span"?

No, "they spans" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "they span", as the verb should agree with the plural pronoun "they".

What is the difference between "they span" and "they include"?

"They span" emphasizes the extent or range something covers, while "they include" focuses on specific items or elements contained within a set. For example, "They span several genres" versus "They include specific examples".