Is the term "amplio abanico" common?

Question

Hi all,

I read this today in an article at elpais.com:

"Aunque las personas que padecen autismo presentan un amplio abanico de síntomas, los problemas de comunicación y habilidades sociales son rasgos comunes."

My question is about the term "amplio abanico". It is fairly clear from the context it means something like "a wide variety of symptoms" or a "spectrum of symptoms", but I have never actually encountered it before. Is this a common phrase that one would see in newspapers or formal writing, or is this the author's own invention?

Gracias por adelantado.

Answer 1

Y E S!!!!! It is very common, especially in writing and it's not an invention of the author ... all your questions answered!!

Jeje, thanks Benz, it's always nice to have all my questions answered... - aceydoubleyou, Jun 5, 2010

Answer 2

Interesting, I have only heard 'hay un abanico de posibilidades' (range of possibilities) and wage range 'abanico de sueldos'. Interesting.

¿abanico de sueldos?? I've never heard that before :) - Benz, Jun 5, 2010

Answer 3

it's not common but it has been used before and it's perfectly understood.

I think it's common, and really nice. Remember: abanico, the first air conditioning system of world! available in any colour! - srovietico, Jun 5, 2010