a small gap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a small gap' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe any sort of physical distance between two objects. For example, "We had to maneuver carefully to fit our car through the small gap between the two buildings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A small gap opened behind us.

The Guardian

We approach a small gap between two metal barriers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was a small gap and very hot work.

The Guardian

Even a small gap can allow costly leaks.

The New York Times

A small gap, called the Castello Road, remained open to the north.

The Guardian

It had two disks separated by a small gap, and suggested a dumbbell standing on end.

The New Yorker

Finally she saw a small gap between some rocks and decided to squeeze through.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Phil Burton is the tall one with a small gap in his front teeth.

The Guardian - Music

"They funnelled us into a small gap where we were ambushed," he said.

The Guardian

Sew around the cushion, leaving a small gap at the bottom.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Your screws should be secure in the wood, but with a small gap under the head.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects or layouts, use "a small gap" to clearly communicate a minor separation that may still be significant. For instance, "Ensure there's a small gap between the panels to allow for expansion."

Common error

While "a small gap" indicates a minor separation, don't exaggerate its impact. If the gap is inconsequential, consider using a more descriptive term or rephrasing the sentence to reflect its true importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small gap" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "gap". It describes a space or interval that is not large in size. Ludwig AI indicates its usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small gap" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a minimal space or difference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's common across various domains, including news, science, and general how-to guides. While the phrase is straightforward, it's essential to accurately represent the significance of the gap to avoid miscommunication. Alternatives like "a narrow opening" or "a slight space" can offer subtle variations in meaning to suit the specific context. Therefore, ensure you choose the most precise language to describe the separation you're referencing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a narrow opening

Focuses on the width of the space.

a slight space

Emphasizes the minimal amount of space.

a tiny separation

Highlights the act of being divided by a small amount.

a minimal distance

Focuses on the shortness of the measurable space.

a hairline crack

Suggests a very thin and often linear gap.

a fine fissure

Implies a narrow and often naturally occurring split.

a close interval

Highlights the nearness of the boundaries of the gap.

a restricted margin

Indicates a limited or confined space.

a slender crevice

Suggests a long, narrow opening in a surface.

a limited clearance

Focuses on the available space for something to pass through.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small gap" to describe physical separations, such as "There was a small gap between the fence posts", or metaphorical differences, such as "There's a small gap in their understanding of the issue".

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

"A small gap" indicates a minimal amount of space or difference, while "a large gap" signifies a significant amount of space or difference.

Which is correct, "a small gap" or "small gap"?

Both phrases are grammatically acceptable, but "a small gap" is generally preferred because it's more natural and includes the article "a", which is typical for singular nouns. "Small gap" may be used in titles or headings for brevity.

What are some alternatives to "a small gap"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a narrow opening", "a slight space", or "a tiny separation".