a slight gap between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight gap between" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a small amount of space that exists between two things. For example, "There is a slight gap between the wall and the floor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

A slight gap between the contraption and the hull increases drag, which could be especially harmful in light air.

The New York Times - Sports

At one stage, for example, when there was a slight gap between the cabinets and the Sheetrock, she insisted that it be closed.

The New York Times

She had wide-set, almond-shaped eyes, a strong jaw, a slight gap between her front teeth, and a habit of focussing intently on the eyes of someone she was listening to.

The New Yorker

Occasionally, he left a slight gap between his bat and pads, meaning he was sometimes bowled through it when out of form.

Wikipedia

There remains a slight gap between GER for boys and girls in the Terai: GER for girls is lower than for boys.

Unicef

There is a slight gap between the glass window and the surface of the tissue that is occupied by PBS, which was used to reduce the refractive index mismatch as the light beam entered the tissue and to keep the tissue hydrated.

Biomedical Optics Express

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

This necklace itself is not smooth, since each pearl is a discrete self-contained unit, sitting next to another pearl, that is, next to another discrete self-contained unit, with a slight gap in between each unit.

SEP

Tape around the inside seams of the form, leaving just a slight gap (about 1/8") between the two piece directly over the joints.

WikiHow

There is a slight gap in low SNR between the two pilot scheme and the one pilot scheme, but the two schemes have almost the same performance in high SNR.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

You should have a very slight gap between your neck and your straight edge.

WikiHow

Then there was a slight gap until Ian from SW3 at 02 22.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects, use "a slight gap between" to indicate that the objects are close but not touching. For example, "Ensure there is "a slight gap between" the door and the frame to prevent sticking."

Common error

Do not use "a slight gap between" when describing large or obvious separations. Instead, use terms like "significant distance" or "wide separation" to accurately convey the magnitude of the gap.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight gap between" functions as a prepositional phrase. It typically modifies a noun or verb, describing the spatial or conceptual relationship between two entities. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

24%

Science

24%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

22%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a slight gap between" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote a small separation or difference between two things. Ludwig AI validates this. It appears across diverse contexts, from news and media to science and encyclopedias, indicating its versatility. While "slight" emphasizes the smallness of the gap, related phrases such as "slim gap" or "subtle difference" offer nuanced alternatives. When using this phrase, ensure the separation is indeed small to avoid misrepresenting the context. Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian use the phrase regularly, further solidifying its place in standard English usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slim gap between

Replaces "slight" with "slim", emphasizing the narrowness of the gap.

a small gap between

Substitutes "slight" with "small", focusing on the size of the gap.

a narrow margin between

Uses "margin" instead of "gap", suggesting a small difference in measurement or degree.

a minimal space between

Emphasizes the small amount of space separating two things.

a fine distinction between

Replaces "gap" with "distinction", highlighting a subtle difference in characteristics or qualities.

a subtle difference between

Focuses on the subtlety of the difference rather than a physical separation.

a hairline fracture between

Suggests a very thin and barely noticeable separation.

a shade of difference between

Highlights a subtle variance in quality or appearance.

a whisker's breadth between

Uses an idiom to indicate an extremely small distance.

a breath's width between

Illustrates a negligible or very small separation.

FAQs

How can I use "a slight gap between" in a sentence?

You can use "a slight gap between" to describe a small separation or space between two objects or concepts. For example, "There was "a slight gap between" the two panels", or "There's "a slight gap between" their understanding and reality".

What are some alternatives to "a slight gap between"?

Alternatives include "a slim gap between", "a small gap between", or "a subtle difference between", depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a slight gap between" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. Its clarity and common usage make it suitable for various contexts.

What is the difference between "a slight gap between" and "a significant gap between"?

"A slight gap between" indicates a small separation, while "a significant gap between" implies a much larger or more important separation. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the size or importance of the separation you are describing.