a narrow gap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a narrow gap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small space or opening between two objects or concepts. Example: "The hikers carefully navigated through a narrow gap between the rocks to continue their journey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The way forward will inevitably pass through a narrow gap of politics.

The New York Times

Display tables completely encircled the room, leaving only a narrow gap for entry.

The New Yorker

In some ways, a narrow gap would be a more promising result than a shattered panel.

The New York Times

As we stand around deliberating, a man in a doorway points down a narrow gap between two of the houses.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Luckily, I managed to spot a narrow gap between the belt of huge clouds and find a calmer course.

The Guardian - Travel

Ms. Dershowitz pedaled through a narrow gap between two seven-ton postal trucks and fell underneath the tire of the truck driven by Mr. Clement, Mr. Arlia said.

The New York Times

But it could not have been a more dramatic result in terms of the human dynamic – a narrow gap, with the younger brother beating the older brother.

The Guardian

In one, a temporary fence was used to close off a short cut to a car park, except for a narrow gap.

The Economist

Neurotransmitters are synthesized by nerve cells and released from one cell to another across a narrow gap between the two neurons known as the synapse.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There was a large, incomplete portrait of a woman hanging from one wall, with its lower half descending through a narrow gap in the floor.

The New York Times - Magazine

With resilient channels you can mount the new panels on the wall yet still maintain a narrow gap for structural discontinuity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical spaces, use "a narrow gap" to precisely convey the limited width of an opening or passage. For abstract concepts, it effectively illustrates a small difference or margin.

Common error

Avoid using "a narrow gap" when a broader term like "discrepancy" or "difference" is more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a narrow gap" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "narrow" is an adjective modifying the noun "gap". Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically sound and widely used. It describes a limited space or opening, either physical or figurative.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a narrow gap" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase frequently used to describe a small physical space or a limited difference between two things. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides numerous real-world examples. While common in news and general writing, it also finds use in more formal scientific and technical contexts. To enhance clarity, consider using synonyms like "a small opening" or "a limited margin" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Avoid overuse in abstract contexts where a more general term might be more appropriate. The phrase is well-supported by authoritative sources, making it a reliable choice for various writing needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small opening

Focuses on the aperture being limited in size.

a tight squeeze

Emphasizes the difficulty of passing through the space.

a confined space

Highlights the restriction and limited nature of the area.

a limited margin

Refers to a small allowable amount or degree.

a slender divide

Implies a minimal separation between two entities.

a fine line

Indicates a subtle distinction or boundary.

a thin partition

Suggests a very slim barrier or divider.

a hairline crack

Emphasizes the minimal nature of the fracture or opening.

a negligible difference

Highlights the insignificance of the disparity.

a slim chance

Implies a very low probability of success.

FAQs

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

Use "a narrow gap" to describe a small physical space, as in "She squeezed through "a narrow gap" between the buildings", or a small difference between two things, such as "There's "a narrow gap" in their skill levels".

What are some alternatives to "a narrow gap"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a small opening", "a tight squeeze", or "a limited margin".

Is it correct to say "a narrow gap" or "a wide gap"?

Both phrases are correct, but they describe opposite situations. "A narrow gap" indicates a small space or difference, while "a wide gap" indicates a large one.

What's the difference between "a narrow gap" and "a narrow space"?

While similar, "a narrow gap" typically implies a space between two things, whereas "a narrow space" simply refers to a space that isn't wide.