a minuscule gap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minuscule gap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very small or insignificant space or difference between two objects or concepts. Example: "There was a minuscule gap between the two pieces of wood, barely noticeable to the naked eye."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Conductive electrode jelly was spread between the two electrodes, leaving a minuscule gap in the middle to provide an electric shock through the flies.

Aging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Stealth also requires that each time crews open panels to reach internal parts, technicians spend hours sealing the minuscule gaps around the panels.

The New York Times

In any LCD screen there are minuscule gaps and edges that we can't see with the naked eye.

Vice

On the other end of the music spectrum, is Le Quine Guine (near the C8 exit of the Shinjuku-Sanchone subway station), a minuscule members-only spot that Daniel Ou, a former director of product development at the Gap, found through a Tokyo friend.

The New York Times

That is a minuscule number.

The Guardian - Opinion

A minuscule burden, Mr. Shure calls it.

The New York Times

But, it attracted a minuscule audience.

The Guardian - Music

The budget was a minuscule $40,000.

The New York Times

"Maybe a little clay, but it's a minuscule amount".

The New York Times

A minuscule wire chair sports an eensy toilet seat.

The New York Times

His head peeked over into the skyline — a minuscule bump.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a minuscule gap" to describe spaces or differences that are so small as to be almost nonexistent or insignificant. It's effective in technical descriptions or when emphasizing precision.

Common error

Avoid using "a minuscule gap" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Simpler alternatives like "a tiny gap" or "a small space" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minuscule gap" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "minuscule" modifies the noun "gap". It specifies the size of the gap, indicating that it is extremely small. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a minuscule gap" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an extremely small space or difference. As Ludwig confirms, it is most commonly found in news and media, or scientific contexts, reflecting a need for precision. While effective for technical descriptions, it may sound overly formal in casual settings, where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. Although its current usage is relatively rare, understanding its specific function and context is important for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tiny opening

Replaces "minuscule" with "tiny", offering a simpler synonym.

a negligible space

Substitutes "minuscule gap" with "negligible space", emphasizing insignificance.

an imperceptible difference

Shifts the focus to the difference rather than the physical gap, highlighting how unnoticeable it is.

a minute crevice

Replaces "gap" with "crevice", implying a narrow opening.

a slight separation

Uses "slight separation" to convey a minimal distance.

a narrow chink

Replaces "gap" with "chink", suggesting a small crack or fissure.

a trivial margin

Focuses on the smallness of the margin or difference.

a hairline fracture

Emphasizes the thinness of the break or separation.

a barely visible slit

Highlights the difficulty in seeing the opening.

an infinitesimal division

Uses "infinitesimal" to stress the extremely small nature of the division.

FAQs

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

"A minuscule gap" is used to describe a very small or insignificant space. For example: "The technician carefully sealed "a minuscule gap" in the circuit board to prevent short circuits."

What are some synonyms for "a minuscule gap"?

Alternatives to "a minuscule gap" include "a tiny opening", "a negligible space", or "an imperceptible difference", depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "a minuscule gap"?

While grammatically correct, using "a minuscule gap" might be inappropriate in informal settings. Consider using simpler terms like "a small gap" instead.

What's the difference between "a minuscule gap" and "a small gap"?

"A minuscule gap" implies an even smaller space than "a small gap". The former is more suited for technical or precise descriptions, while the latter is more general and can be used in a wider range of contexts.