a modest gap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest gap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or insignificant difference or distance between two things, whether in a physical, metaphorical, or statistical context. Example: "There is a modest gap between the two candidates' qualifications, making the decision difficult for the hiring committee."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Central-bank figures show a relatively modest gap, but under the conventional IMF definition the current-account deficit may reach 6% of GDP this year and 9% of GDP in 1998.

The Economist

As a result, although Medicare physician fees haven't quite kept up with the other costs of running a doctor's office, this modest gap has been more than offset by the increased volume of services.

The Washington Post

Among voters surveyed, there was a modest gender gap.

The Washington Post

This reveals that the effect of a modest sized gap in the coating does not markedly alter the radiated field except at distinct frequencies, at which values the coating exhibits strong fluid-coupled oscillations.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

"And as I sit here and I say it today, I know people will laugh even more at me," Thomas added, acknowledging the modest gap between his faith and the public's belief.

The New York Times - Sports

In the event of a modest outbreak of pandemic influenza (WHO phase 6) similar to these locally developed scenarios, Thailand, a relatively affluent country in Southeast Asia, might encounter relatively modest gaps in available resources.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Other significant partial hits (i.e., alignment of fragments of 60 120 residues with ~30% sequence identity and 40 60% identity plus conservative substitution with minimal to modest gapping) include FMLP receptors (human and mouse), LSH receptor (human and pig), melanocortin-3 receptor (rat), and metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (rat).

BMC Genomics

He's a modest guy.

The New York Times

A modest goal".

The New Yorker

Jagtiani is a modest guy.

Forbes

That's a modest goal.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a modest gap" when you want to downplay the significance of a difference or deficiency. It implies that while a gap exists, it's not large enough to cause serious concern.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest gap" when the difference or deficiency is actually substantial. Using it in such cases would be misleading and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest gap" functions as a noun phrase, where "modest" is an adjective modifying the noun "gap". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest gap" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a small or insignificant difference. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, though its frequency is currently limited in the provided data. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, business, and academic writing. When employing this phrase, ensure that the "gap" you are describing is indeed modest to maintain accuracy and avoid misrepresentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight difference

Focuses on the small degree of dissimilarity between two things.

a minor disparity

Emphasizes the inequality or difference, but to a small extent.

a small discrepancy

Highlights an inconsistency that is not significant.

a marginal difference

Suggests the difference is barely noticeable or important.

a negligible gap

Indicates the gap is so small it can be ignored.

a limited shortfall

Refers to a deficiency that is not extensive.

a narrow margin

Emphasizes a small difference in quantity or degree.

a small divergence

Highlights a slight departure from a standard or norm.

a tame deficit

Indicates a shortfall that is not alarming or problematic.

a reasonable compromise

Suggests an acceptable but not ideal difference or adjustment.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest gap" to describe a small difference or discrepancy. For instance, "There's "a modest gap" between their salaries", indicating the difference is not very large.

What are some alternatives to "a modest gap"?

Alternatives include "a slight difference", "a minor disparity", or "a small discrepancy", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a modest gap" is suitable for formal writing. However, ensure it accurately reflects the size and importance of the difference you are describing. If the difference is significant, choose a more appropriate phrase.

What's the difference between "a modest gap" and "a significant gap"?

"A modest gap" implies a small and relatively unimportant difference, while "a significant gap" suggests a large and noteworthy difference. The choice depends on the magnitude of the gap you're describing.