a major gap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major gap" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a large discrepancy between two things, either in terms of knowledge, understanding, experience, ability, etc. For example, "The report highlighted a major gap in understanding between different generations when it comes to technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But a major gap is Washington.

The New York Times - Arts

There is a major gap between these prongs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It fills a major gap in the historiography of late-nineteenth century biomedical science.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The stories highlight a major gap in our knowledge of the legal system.

Cornell University

"There is a major gap in understanding about the link between body fat and health.

Independent

Africa is a major gap in knowledge about land use and how it affects birds.

The Guardian

Not having one, he said, "is a major gap for a major natural history museum".

The New York Times - Arts

Coordinating action teams, if successful, can fill a major gap in our operations.

Harvard Business Review

A major gap of the Upper Eocene is due to a compressive tectonic period.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

The findings addressed a major gap in aerobic exercise studies in AD.

Geriatric Nursing

This found that there is a major gap between actual public attitudes, and perceptions of public attitudes among policymakers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a major gap", ensure you clearly specify what is missing or deficient to provide context for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a major gap" when a less emphatic phrase would suffice. Overusing it can diminish the impact of genuinely significant deficiencies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major gap" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies and emphasizes a significant deficiency or discrepancy, as demonstrated in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a major gap" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that signifies a significant deficiency or discrepancy. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, denoting areas where improvement or further investigation is needed. While versatile, writers should avoid overusing it to maintain its impact. Alternatives include "a significant deficiency" or "a substantial shortcoming". Overall, "a major gap" serves as a clear and direct way to emphasize a notable lack or absence in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant deficiency

Focuses on the lack of something essential, emphasizing the inadequacy.

a substantial shortcoming

Highlights a flaw or weakness that significantly detracts from the overall quality or effectiveness.

a critical weakness

Emphasizes the severity of the deficiency, suggesting a potentially devastating impact.

a glaring omission

Points to something conspicuously left out or neglected.

a notable absence

Draws attention to the lack of something expected or desired.

a considerable void

Suggests a large empty space or unmet need.

a marked disparity

Highlights a clear and significant difference between two or more things.

a pronounced disconnect

Focuses on the lack of connection or alignment between elements.

a fundamental flaw

Indicates a deep-seated problem that affects the entire structure or system.

a serious lapse

Highlights a temporary failure or deviation from the expected standard.

FAQs

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

You can use "a major gap" to describe a significant deficiency or discrepancy. For example, "There is "a major gap" in our understanding of the disease."

What's the difference between "a major gap" and "a minor gap"?

"A major gap" refers to a significant deficiency or discrepancy, while "a minor gap" indicates a smaller, less important one. The choice depends on the severity of the issue.

What can I say instead of "a major gap"?

Alternatives include "a significant deficiency", "a substantial shortcoming", or "a critical weakness" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a major gap" in formal writing?

Yes, "a major gap" is appropriate for formal writing, as evidenced by its frequent use in academic, scientific, and news sources.