a severe gap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a severe gap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant difference or disparity between two things, such as skills, knowledge, or resources. Example: "There is a severe gap in understanding between the two departments, which is affecting collaboration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

There is a severe gap right now when it comes to warriors in technology, cyberspace, and communications.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The Anaheim franchise had not reached the postseason since 1986, and the players must overcome a severe experience gap with the Yankees.

The New York Times - Sports

There existed, for example, a severe generation gap; individuals who experienced the Cultural Revolution while in their teens and early twenties were denied an education and taught to redress grievances by taking to the streets.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The Republican Party is suffering from a severe gender gap when it comes to urban females and even urban males," said Trebor Worthen, a GOP political consultant based in Oklahoma.

Vice

But it's no secret that there's a severe confidence gap between men and women, with the latter often feeling less confident and, according to new research, falling victim to so-called "imposter syndrome".

Huffington Post

At the northern (updrift) end, the trapping of littoral drift sediments, aided by a 1.3 × 106 m3 sediment recharge designed to remedy severe gap erosion, lead to the growth of salients into tidal tombolos (effectively changing the X/h ratio (distance offshore/depth) on Pope and Dean's (1986) morphology-existence diagram).

Coastal Engineering

PCL resection in all cases may cause severe gap imbalance between knee extension and flexion.

Bone and Joint Research

The Children's Partnership released a study last week that found "severe gaps" in Internet content geared to the needs of low-income and immigrant groups in America, although those groups are gaining access in increasing numbers to the Internet.

The New York Times - Tech

The protest underscores a national mental health crisis, as a shortage of workers has prompted severe gaps in care for vulnerable patients, advocates told VICE News.

Vice

Globalization is often criticized because of the economic disruptions it creates, the diseases it can spread and the severe gaps in wealth it reveals.

The New York Times

Until then, the most severe gaps may be in the most leveraged parts of the financial system.Paul Tucker of the Bank of England worries about the threats to financial stability that are created from outside the regulated sector and wonders whether the "regulatory perimeter" should be widened to encompass such institutions.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a severe gap", ensure the context clearly identifies what two elements are being compared to highlight the disparity. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a severe gap" when the difference is minor or insignificant. Overusing the term can dilute its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a severe gap" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object within a sentence. It signifies a significant deficiency or disparity. As seen in Ludwig, it's used to denote substantial differences in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a severe gap" is used to describe a significant difference or deficiency, often highlighting a problem. According to Ludwig, this phrase, while grammatically correct, is relatively rare and most commonly found in news, scientific and business contexts. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure the context clearly indicates what is being compared to emphasize the disparity. Alternative phrases include "a significant deficiency" or "a critical shortage". Overall, while "a severe gap" is a useful phrase, it should be used judiciously to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant deficiency

Emphasizes the lack of something important, similar to a severe gap.

a critical shortage

Highlights the scarcity of essential resources or elements, akin to a gap.

a substantial disparity

Focuses on inequality or difference that is considerable, like a severe gap between two states.

a marked imbalance

Indicates a lack of equilibrium, suggesting a significant gap in balance.

a pronounced discrepancy

Highlights a notable difference that is easily observed, similar to a clear and severe gap.

a glaring inadequacy

Emphasizes a noticeable lack of something needed, pointing out a gap in provision.

a major deficit

Indicates a significant lack or shortfall, synonymous with a severe gap in resources.

a considerable void

Emphasizes emptiness or absence, reflecting a severe gap in content or coverage.

a profound divide

Highlights a deep separation, similar to a severe gap between groups or ideas.

a stark contrast

Focuses on differences that are sharply defined, reflecting a severe gap in characteristics.

FAQs

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

Use "a severe gap" to describe a significant difference or disparity between two things. For example, "There is "a severe gap" in understanding between the two departments, which is affecting collaboration".

What are some alternatives to "a severe gap"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant deficiency", "a critical shortage", or "a substantial disparity" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a large gap" or "a severe gap"?

"A severe gap" implies a more critical or problematic difference than "a large gap". Choose the phrase that best reflects the magnitude of the difference you're describing.

In what contexts is "a severe gap" most appropriately used?

"A severe gap" is suitable when describing significant discrepancies in areas like skills, resources, understanding, or performance. It is often used in professional, academic, or critical contexts.