a brief gap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brief gap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a short period of time or a small space between two events or objects. Example: "There was a brief gap between the two meetings, allowing everyone to grab a quick coffee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Then, at speed, you'd see a brief gap in suburbia, a flicker of green.

The Guardian - Books

One day during my first month here, I eased into the intersection, ready to blaze through a brief gap in the oncoming traffic — only to notice that the car trying to make a left from the oncoming side was still hanging back at the light.

The New Yorker

Talking in the theatre coffee bar in a brief gap between finishing technical rehearsals of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof in Northampton and travelling to Newcastle, Dacre emphasises the contemporary relevance of a play with a title that alludes to both political and orgasmic agitation.

The Guardian

Information may be encrypted from a user's device across the wireless network, but when it reaches the WAP gateway, which separates the network from the Internet, there is a brief gap when the information is not encrypted and ripe for a hacker's taking.

Forbes

After a brief gap, Rajinikanth starred in Baba in 2002, for which he had also written the screenplay.

Wikipedia

There is a brief gap in the Highland SRA where M-59 narrows back to two-lane road.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The plans were intended until now to be a brief gap-filler for people between jobs or for college students taking a semester off.

The Washington Post

Take a brief break.

WikiHow

If the solar wind is forceful, the tangled fields will realign into a stable pattern, opening a brief magnetic gap.

Science Magazine

"Clearly we are in the middle of a situation that is quite dark," she said in an interview during the brief gap between preparatory gatherings in Brazil and Mexico earlier this week and her departure for Washington on Friday.

The New York Times

Other states are acting in anticipation of HHS rules that would make it easier for consumers to buy skimpy health plans originally meant for a brief coverage gap, such as when people are between jobs.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a brief gap" to describe a pause in a sequence, consider whether adding context about what fills the gap would improve clarity. For example, "a brief gap in the conversation" could be enhanced by specifying what caused the silence or what followed it.

Common error

Avoid using "a brief gap" when the brevity is already implied. For instance, saying "a brief gap of a few seconds" is redundant; "a gap of a few seconds" is more concise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief gap" functions as a noun phrase, where 'brief' modifies 'gap'. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, denoting a short interval or space. Ludwig provides examples where it signifies short breaks in time or small physical openings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a brief gap" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a short period of time or a small space. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reliable sources. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While alternatives like "a short pause" or "a momentary lapse" exist, "a brief gap" offers a clear and concise way to denote a limited interval or opening. When using "a brief gap", ensure the brevity isn't already implied by the surrounding context to avoid redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short pause

Emphasizes the temporary cessation of activity.

a momentary lapse

Highlights a temporary failure or interruption.

a fleeting interval

Stresses the quick passing of time.

a small break

Suggests a short period of rest or interruption.

a temporary space

Focuses on the limited duration of the space or time.

a passing phase

Implies that the period is part of a larger cycle.

a quick hiatus

Indicates a brief suspension of activity.

a short interlude

Suggests a period that interrupts the main activity.

a narrow margin

Highlights a limited amount of space or time available.

a slight delay

Focuses on the postponement or waiting period.

FAQs

How can I use "a brief gap" in a sentence?

You can use "a brief gap" to describe a short period of time between events or a small space between objects. For example, "There was a brief gap between the rain showers" or "He squeezed through a brief gap in the crowd."

What are some alternatives to "a brief gap"?

Some alternatives include "a short pause", "a fleeting interval", or "a small break", depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to specify the length of "a brief gap"?

Not always, but providing context can improve clarity. If the duration of the gap is relevant, you can specify it (e.g., "a brief gap of a few seconds"). If it's not crucial, simply "a brief gap" is sufficient.

Can "a brief gap" refer to something other than time or space?

Yes, it can also refer to a deficiency or absence, such as "a brief gap in understanding." However, in such cases, consider whether a more precise term might be more appropriate.