a minimal gap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minimal gap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or insignificant space or difference between two things. Example: "There was a minimal gap between the two pieces of wood, which allowed for a snug fit."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A minimal gap occurred between the solar panels and the roof of the model.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

In addition, very accurate preparations of parts are required as no gap or in some cases only a minimal gap is permissible during alignment of the parts.

International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Assign a number from 1 to 5 measuring the gap between each value and your behavior - 1 representing a minimal gap; 5, the maximum.

Huffington Post

Control and disease/vaccinated groups were created with the IRBP toolbox, and then compared by implementing a minimal signal of 500 relative fluorescence units (RFU) with a minimal gap of 200 RFU between signals to determine significant increases in fluorescent intensity among groups.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

'Gap-healing' occurs in the presence of a minimal fracture gap where newly formed either woven or lamellar bone is deposited parallel to the fracture line within the space between the fracture fragments before remodelling by 'cutting-cones' in the longitudinal weight-bearing axis.

Bone and Joint Research

At the beginning, the relative positions of two cantilevers are manually adjusted with tweezers under an optical microscope to get a minimal possible gap between them.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Firstly, the relative position of Au tip and Pt cantilever is manually adjusted with tweezers under an optical microscope to get a minimal possible gap between them, which can be distinguished by eyes.

Nanoscale Research Letters

At the beginning, relative positions between Pt and Au cantilevers were manually adjusted with tweezers under an optical microscope in order to obtain a minimal possible gap between them, which can be distinguished by eyes.

Nanoscale Research Letters

"I would recommend that the unemployed fill the gaps on their resumes with activities such as volunteering, part-time or contract work, school, entrepreneurship, and so on because our research shows that even the most minimal gap (one month or less) can lead to devaluation.

The Guardian - Opinion

The data shows minimal gap sensitivity to pressure in the fracture.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

When BFP is used for gap arthroplasty of the temporomandibular joint, minimal gap (6 7 mm) is advised [53].

Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects, use "a minimal gap" to emphasize precision or tight tolerances.

Common error

Avoid using "minimum" when you mean "smallest in degree or amount". "Minimal" describes something that is barely sufficient or the least possible, while "minimum" indicates a threshold or requirement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minimal gap" functions as a noun phrase, where "minimal" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "gap". Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a minimal gap" is a grammatically correct and useful expression to describe a small space or difference. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and suggests it's most commonly used in scientific and technical contexts. While alternatives like "a negligible difference" or "a slight separation" exist, "a minimal gap" is particularly apt when emphasizing precision or tight tolerances. It's important to differentiate "minimal" from "minimum", as the former describes size, while the latter indicates a threshold. By understanding these nuances, writers can use "a minimal gap" effectively in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a negligible difference

Focuses on the insignificance of the difference rather than the physical space.

a slight separation

Emphasizes the act of separating, implying a small distance.

a minor disparity

Highlights a small difference or inequality.

a trifling space

Uses "trifling" to underscore the unimportance of the space.

a hairline crack

Refers to a very thin and barely visible fracture.

a fine line

Highlights a subtle distinction or boundary.

a narrow margin

Indicates a small difference in quantity or degree.

a tiny opening

Stresses the diminutive size of the opening.

an almost imperceptible space

Emphasizes how difficult it is to notice the gap.

a scarcely noticeable interval

Focuses on the difficulty of perceiving the break in time or space.

FAQs

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

Use "a minimal gap" to describe a situation where the space or difference between two things is very small. For example, "The design required "a minimal gap" between the components to ensure proper function".

What are some alternatives to saying "a minimal gap"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a slight separation", "a negligible difference", or "a minor disparity".

Is it correct to say "a minimum gap" instead of "a minimal gap"?

While both terms relate to size, "minimal" emphasizes the smallness of the gap, while "minimum" suggests a required or allowable threshold. "A minimal gap" is generally preferred when describing the size itself.

What does "a minimal gap" mean in technical contexts?

In technical contexts, "a minimal gap" often refers to a very small and precisely controlled space between components or elements, critical for functionality or performance.