use of range

AnonymousDoes the word 'range' mean that application is open from Nov to Jan?

It is an odd use of the word, and it suggests to me that the application times are different for different courses (or whatever is being applied for). The application time for X is November, while the application time for Y is January.

Yes, that's what I thought. But could it mean that that application time changes every year. This year it is in November, next year may be in December. Would the use of the word be appropriate here?

Also, how can I say application time in general is from November to January? Would it be just to simply say: application is from Nov to Jan.

Anonymous But could it mean that that application time changes every year. This year it is in November, next year may be in December.

I suppose so.

Anonymous Would the use of the word be appropriate here?

We don't know, because there is no further context showing what is intended.

Anonymous how can I

Hi

I agree that it's odd and unclear. My reading, at a glance, was that you could put in your application form at any time between November and January. But then you would expect exact dates to be given

Dave

What did you mean by 'you could put in your application form at any time between November and January'.

Is that what you suggest I say or is it what you understood from what I wrote?

Hi

I was using indirect speech to show what kind of paraphrase might go through my mind when I read the sentence

We still don't know what is being applied for. If it is an educational institution, say, I would expect it to be fairly formal and, as said, it would seem natural to use exact dates:

- If you wish to apply for the carpentry apprenticeship leading to NVQ Level

Thank you. I agree with you. But my question was does my original sentence with the word range convey the message of submitting an application at any time from Nov to Jan. Just curious about the word 'range'!

AnonymousBut my question was does my original sentence with the word range convey the message of submitting an application at any time from Nov to Jan.

That is not a natural expression. I would not say it that way. Why would you write it that way when there are less ambiguous ways? eg. Applications will be accepted between <Date1> and <Date2>.

Hi

I agree with Alphecca. It is not easy to say why 'range' does not work here. I think the word is used only where we can pick one item and it has a definite number associated with it that falls within the range:

- Prices range from £30 to £140
[=> We can pick an item, look at the price, and see that it falls in the range]

- Samples in the study ranged from 45