Meaning & use
the range of
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Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
the full set of different types, amounts, or things that are included in a group or exist between two limits
Grammar: Used before a noun: the range of products, the range of temperatures. It often answers 'what kinds?' or 'how much?'.
Patterns
- the range of something
- the range of something is ...
- within the range of something
The range of colors in the sunset was amazing, from pale yellow to deep red.
The teacher explained the range of possible answers to the question.
The range of temperatures in the desert can go from very hot to freezing cold.
phrasefixed phrasetechnical
the distance or amount between the smallest and largest values in a set
Grammar: Often used in math or science: the range of the data, the range of the scores.
Patterns
- the range of something
- the range of something is from X to Y
The range of the test scores was from 60 to 95.
Scientists measured the range of the whale's calls underwater.
Common combinations
- a wide range of
- The store sells a wide range of shoes.
- the full range of
- She explored the full range of options before deciding.
- the range of possibilities
- The range of possibilities for the project is huge.
- within the range of
- The price is within the range of most families.
Synonyms and how they differ
Commonly confused: the range of or a range of?
the range of vs a range of
'A range of' means several different things (a range of options), while 'the range of' points to the whole set or the limits of something.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'the range of' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'The range of products' means the full set of different products. Option 0 is wrong because 'range' here would mean a mountain chain, not a set. Options 2 and 3 use 'range' as a verb incorrectly.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “the range of”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.