Grammar
N2 particle

Spanning 〜にわたって

Meaning

"Over / across ~" — a stretch of time, space or number.

Formation

Notes

The noun must name an extent — a period, an area, a count of sessions — and the pattern stresses how wide or long it is. A single point in time does not work.

Examples

The work continued over three years.

Breakdown
construction three years spanning continued

The typhoon's effects extend across the whole country.

Breakdown
typhoon effects the whole country extends across

A conclusion emerged after five rounds of meetings.

Breakdown
five times spanning meetings conclusion came out

We talked earnestly for two hours.

Breakdown
two hours spanning earnestly discussed

This was a survey covering a wide area.

Breakdown
wide range spanning survey

⚠️ Often confused with

Toward / in contrast to 〜に対して

Two jobs: the target an attitude is directed at — "toward ~" — and a contrast — "whereas ~...

About / concerning 〜について

Names the subject matter — "about ~", "concerning ~".

In / at 〜において

The formal written equivalent of で — "in ~", "at ~", "in the field of ~".

For / to 〜にとって

Gives the standpoint a judgement is made from — "for ~", "from ~'s point of view".

As / in the role of 〜として

Names a capacity or role — "as ~", "in the capacity of ~".

Suited for 〜向き / 〜向け

向き = "suited to ~ (by nature)". 向け = "made for ~ (on purpose)".

Over / concerning 〜をめぐって

"Over ~", "concerning ~" — the point people are arguing about.

When it comes to 〜にかけては

"When it comes to ~ (nobody beats them)".

Through / throughout 〜を通じて / 〜を通して

"Through ~" (a medium); "throughout ~" (a whole span).

Centring on 〜を中心に(して)

"Centring on ~", "with ~ at the core".

From the standpoint of 〜から見ると / 〜からすると

"Seen from ~", "judging from ~".