Words / B2

SPAN/spæn/

To span is to last for a period or stretch across a space; as a noun, that period or distance: the study spanned three years; a life span. Last is everyday; cover is looser. The study spanned three year groups. Mix-up: spun is past of spin; spanner is a tool. Do not write span for a single lesson.

Meaning

To last for a period, or to stretch across a space; also (noun) that period or distance.

Examples

• “The study spanned three year groups, not a single tutor group.”
• “A bridge span featured in the DT brief, which is the distance sense.”

Good to know

span + time / distance; a life / attention span. Everyday: last. Trap: spun / spanner. Methods and design. Across time or space, not a tool.

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