a big lacuna

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big lacuna" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a significant gap or missing part in knowledge, information, or a text. Example: "The report had a big lacuna regarding the financial data from the previous year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The question is, is it a big lacuna as well as a deep one?

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

His long reticence temporarily distracted attention from a bigger lacuna.

The Economist

"There was one big lacuna in this performance and that was London.

The Guardian

That said, the IFS has made an important wealth warning, which is that there are big lacunae in both Tory and Labour plans.

BBC

But the ministers also called for far greater cooperation and pooling of information between national intelligence and security services as this is seen as one of the biggest lacunae in the counter-terrorism efforts.

The Guardian

He says there will be disagreements between the two parties on thee economy ahead of an election, but they are not fatal and the two parties are both committed to reducing inequality, something he says was one of Tony Blair's biggest lacunae.

The Guardian

"A big, big fight.

The New Yorker

A big, big game.

The New York Times - Sports

(MoH1) …It was a big mistake, big, big mistake.

BMJ Open

What a big difference.

BMJ Open

Like any developing economy looking to make it big, India has developed a mental lacuna on the issue of copyright.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a big lacuna" when you want to emphasize a significant gap in knowledge or understanding, particularly in formal or academic writing. Be mindful that the term "lacuna" might be unfamiliar to some audiences, so consider whether a more common synonym like "gap" or "omission" would be more effective.

Common error

Avoid using "a big lacuna" in contexts where simpler, more direct language would suffice. Overuse of specialized vocabulary can make your writing seem pretentious or inaccessible. In many cases, phrases like "a major gap" or "a significant omission" will be clearer and more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big lacuna" functions as a noun phrase, where "big" modifies the noun "lacuna." It identifies a significant absence or gap. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a big lacuna" is a grammatically sound, albeit somewhat uncommon, way to describe a significant gap or absence. As confirmed by Ludwig, the expression is valid in written English. It's most appropriate for formal or technical writing, where its precision and slightly elevated tone can be an asset. However, writers should be aware that the term "lacuna" may not be familiar to all audiences, and simpler alternatives like "a significant gap" or "a major omission" may be more effective in broader contexts. The phrase appears across News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, indicating its relevance in diverse authoritative domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant gap

Replaces the less common "lacuna" with the more straightforward word "gap", making the phrase more accessible.

a major omission

Focuses on the act of leaving something out, rather than the resulting void.

a glaring deficiency

Emphasizes the obvious and problematic nature of the lack.

a considerable void

Highlights the emptiness or lack of content.

a substantial absence

Directly states that something is missing, with "substantial" indicating its importance.

a critical failing

Indicates a failure to include something essential.

a marked shortage

Suggests a lack of something that is needed or expected.

a notable lack

Points out that something is missing and that it is worth paying attention to.

a profound emptiness

Conveys a deep and significant absence.

a gaping hole

Uses a metaphor to illustrate the magnitude of the missing element.

FAQs

What does "a big lacuna" mean?

The phrase "a big lacuna" refers to a significant gap, absence, or missing part, especially in knowledge, information, or a text. The word "lacuna" itself is a more formal term for a gap or void.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a big lacuna"?

It's appropriate to use "a big lacuna" in formal writing, particularly in academic, scientific, or technical contexts, where a precise and somewhat elevated tone is desired. However, in more informal settings, simpler alternatives like "a significant gap" or "a major omission" may be more suitable.

What are some alternatives to "a big lacuna"?

Some alternatives to "a big lacuna" include "a significant gap", "a major omission", "a glaring deficiency", and "a considerable void". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is "lacuna" singular or plural?

"Lacuna" is singular; the plural form is "lacunae". Therefore, you would say "a big lacuna" for a single gap and "big lacunae" for multiple gaps.