with a span of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with a span of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase "with a span of" to refer to a range of things that exist over a period of time. For example, "This type of activity has been around for over a century, with a span of time ranging from the early 1900s to now."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Irish elk, now extinct, had antlers with a span of 12 feet.

The New York Times - Science

"That's a lower fence with a span of water on the other side," intoned the commentator.

The Guardian - Sport

Sintered anode samples were placed upon two sample holders with a span of 3 cm.

Nature

With a span of nearly 18 metres, the giant TGO is the more important of the two probes.

The Guardian

Its signature arch, 133m high, with a span of 315m, is already as instantly recognisable as the old Twin Towers.

The Guardian

Five simply supported slabs with a span of 2 m are tested under explosive charge.

Composite Structures

With a span of 3.3km (2.1 miles), it will be by far the world's longest suspension bridge.

The Economist

The other is the Basilica of Constantine (307 312 ce), also with a span of 26 metres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is planned that the first machine would be in place with a span of 2 years.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms

The 31,000 tonne protective steel arch is an engineering project of staggering dimensions – 100m high, 165m long, with a span of 260m.

The Guardian

The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in New York City (with a span of 4,260 feet [1,298 m]) is made of 60 prefabricated units weighing 400 tons each.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with a span of" to clearly indicate the extent or range of a physical object, a period of time, or a numerical scale. Ensure the unit of measurement (e.g., meters, years, degrees) is specified for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "with a span of" when describing abstract concepts or ideas where the notion of physical range doesn't directly apply. Opt for more appropriate alternatives like "covering", "encompassing", or "ranging" to maintain accuracy and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with a span of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun, often indicating measurement, range, or extent. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in describing physical dimensions, time periods, or numerical scales, exemplified in various contexts like bridge construction and biological studies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with a span of" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to specify the extent, range, or duration of something. According to Ludwig AI, it is particularly prevalent in scientific and technical writing, as well as news and encyclopedic content. When writing, use "with a span of" to provide precise measurements, being mindful of the context to ensure it applies logically. Alternatives such as "covering a distance of" or "ranging from" might be more appropriate in some cases. Avoid overusing it in contexts where the concept of physical range is not directly relevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spanning across

Similar to "extending across" but with a slightly different emphasis.

covering a distance of

Emphasizes the physical distance covered.

with a duration of

Focuses specifically on the length of time.

extending across

Highlights the act of reaching or stretching over something.

over a range of

Highlights the variability or diversity within certain limits.

ranging from

Focuses on the limits of a scale or series.

across a breadth of

Highlights the width or scope of something.

encompassing a period of

Emphasizes the duration or timeframe involved.

having dimensions of

Focuses on the physical measurements or proportions.

measuring

Indicates a specific measurement without additional details.

FAQs

How can I use "with a span of" in a sentence?

You can use "with a span of" to describe the length, width, duration, or extent of something. For example, "The bridge has a central arch with a span of 200 meters."

What are some alternatives to "with a span of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "covering a distance of", "ranging from", or "extending across".

Is it better to say "with a span of" or "spanning"?

Both phrases can be correct, but they have slightly different usages. "With a span of" is a prepositional phrase that introduces the measurement or range. "Spanning" is a verb form that describes the act of extending across something. The best choice depends on the specific sentence structure.

What does "span" mean in the context of "with a span of"?

In this context, "span" refers to the distance between two points, the extent of something from end to end, or the duration of a period of time. It indicates the measurement or range being described.