a gaping chasm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a gaping chasm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large, open gap or void, often in a metaphorical sense to indicate a significant difference or separation between two things. Example: "The report highlighted a gaping chasm between the expectations of the management and the reality faced by the employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

This is not merely wide: it is a gaping chasm!

The New Yorker

"There is a gaping chasm between the actual consensus and the public perception," Mr. Cook said.

The New York Times

Mid-30s and early 40s … not exactly a gaping chasm between them is there?

The Guardian - Opinion

I'm 34 and he has just turned 50 – a gaping chasm of 16 years.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There is a gaping chasm between the actual consensus and the public perception," Cook said in a statement.

The Guardian

It is one of the great myths surrounding earthquakes: During a strong temblor a gaping chasm opens up and swallows everything from humans, to animals and even houses.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Regrettably, there is still an enormous, gaping chasm between what should be our reality and what actually is!

Huffington Post

While it's interesting to know just how many Ferraris Neymar's PSG contract could buy, or that it covers the wages of the top 1,693 female footballers in the world, the data paints only a partial picture of the gaping chasm of inequality in sport.

The Guardian - Sport

From BAFTA-winning director Jezza Neumann and BAFTA-winning producer, Xoliswa Sithole, a powerful tale unfolds of the gaping chasm between what these children hope for and what their country can currently provide.

BBC

Below was a gaping green chasm, a 200-foot drop to a pool below.

The New York Times - Travel

Chris Fletcher, the policy director at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: "For a number of years, various reports have shown the gaping chasm in spending on infrastructure between London, the South-east and the rest of the UK.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a gaping chasm" to emphasize a significant and often problematic separation or difference, whether physical or metaphorical. It adds a sense of drama and importance to the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "a gaping chasm" for minor differences or disagreements. Save it for situations where the separation is substantial and has significant implications. Using it too liberally dilutes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a gaping chasm" functions as a noun phrase, where 'gaping' acts as an adjective modifying 'chasm'. It commonly serves as a subject complement or object in sentences, emphasizing the magnitude of a division or difference. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a gaping chasm" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to emphasize a significant difference or separation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correctly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "a wide divide" or "an enormous gulf" exist, "a gaping chasm" carries a dramatic weight, highlighting the severity of the division. When using this phrase, reserve it for substantial separations to maximize its impact and avoid overuse in minor comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unbridgeable gap

Highlights the impossibility of connecting or reconciling the separated entities.

an enormous gulf

Uses 'gulf' to suggest a vast and unbridgeable distance.

a significant gap

Focuses on the difference or space between two points or ideas.

a deep divide

Stresses the profound and often irreconcilable nature of the separation.

a profound difference

Stresses the significance and depth of the distinction.

a wide divide

Emphasizes separation or disagreement more directly than a physical void.

a fundamental divergence

Focuses on the root and essential difference in direction or opinion.

a considerable disparity

Highlights the inequality or difference in magnitude or quality.

a large discrepancy

Highlights a lack of compatibility or similarity between two things.

a yawning void

Emphasizes emptiness and lack, rather than separation.

FAQs

How can I use "a gaping chasm" in a sentence?

The phrase "a gaping chasm" is used to describe a significant difference or separation. For example, "There's "a gaping chasm between" the rich and the poor in this country."

What can I say instead of "a gaping chasm"?

Alternatives to "a gaping chasm" include "a wide divide", "a significant gap", or "an enormous gulf". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a gaping chasm" in formal writing?

Yes, "a gaping chasm" can be used in formal writing to emphasize a significant difference or problem. However, consider the tone and audience, as it can be perceived as dramatic. A more neutral alternative might be "a considerable disparity".

What is the difference between "a gaping chasm" and "a wide divide"?

"A gaping chasm" suggests a large, almost impassable void, whereas "a wide divide" simply implies a significant separation or disagreement. The former is more dramatic and emphasizes the difficulty in bridging the gap. For example, there is a "a wide divide" of political opinion.