What does the <span> tag do in HTML?

The tag in HTML is designed specifically for grouping inline elements or text to apply styles or attributes. Being an inline element itself, it does not create any new block-level structure on the page; rather, it allows developers to target specific portions of the text or other inline elements for styling purposes, such as changing font size, color, or applying any other CSS styles. This capability is beneficial when you want to change the appearance or behavior of a small section without disrupting the overall layout of the document.

The other options focus on functionalities that the tag does not provide. For instance, it does not group block-level elements or create separate sections, which are functions of different tags like

for block elements. Additionally, styling images is typically done using the tag along with CSS, rather than through the tag. Thus, the primary role of is clearly defined as a versatile tool for inline styling.