a small gap between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small gap between" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical space or distance between two objects, or to describe a figurative space or difference between two concepts. Example: There was a small gap between the two buildings, just wide enough for a person to squeeze through. Example: There seemed to be a small gap between their beliefs, despite their shared values and friendship.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There's a small gap between the front glass and side band on the unit Samsung sent me, trapping some stray lint in between.

TechCrunch

We approach a small gap between two metal barriers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

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

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A small gap between his two front teeth renders his otherwise movie-star good looks slightly zany.

The New York Times

Then they make their exit, stage left, departing through a small gap between the gate and the fence.

The New York Times

Commodity prices reflect marginal differences; a small gap between demand and supply can mean a large price shift.

The Economist

The inventor proposes a protective structure of slender cables, mesh, and pipes that is placed inside a glass wall with a small gap between it and the wall.

The New York Times

My dad would drive me to the school gates, so there was just a small gap between the gates and the car.

The Guardian

There was a small gap between Chinn's car and a wooden fence, and Tucker, his body pitched forward in his seat, sped toward it.

The New Yorker

A small gap between the return on capital and the rate of growth can in the long run create huge wealth for a small proportion of capital owners.

The Guardian - Business

Mzo remembered them running to their right through a small gap between the enclosure and the settlement – straight into yet more bullets, this time from in front of them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects, ensure the context clarifies whether the "small gap" is intentional (e.g., for ventilation) or unintentional (e.g., a manufacturing defect).

Common error

Avoid using "a small gap between" when you actually mean a significant difference or disagreement. This phrase implies a minor, often negligible, distinction. If the difference is substantial, use phrases like "a wide disparity" or "a major divergence" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small gap between" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to describe the spatial relationship between two objects or concepts. It specifies the extent of separation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

31%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small gap between" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe a minimal separation, either physically or conceptually. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, with frequent usage in news, science and wiki articles. When using the phrase, ensure that "small" accurately reflects the degree of separation; alternatives like "a slim gap between" or "a slight gap between" might be more appropriate depending on the context. Be aware of the potential for misinterpretation when using the phrase figuratively; ensure the context clearly indicates a minor rather than a major difference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slim gap between

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

a slight gap between

Substitutes "small" with "slight", highlighting the minimal nature of the separation.

a minor gap between

Replaces "small" with "minor", suggesting the gap is insignificant.

a narrow space between

Changes "gap" to "space" and "small" to "narrow", focusing on the physical dimension.

a tiny space separating

Uses "tiny" instead of "small" and shifts the structure to emphasize separation.

a minimal separation between

Replaces "gap" with "separation" and "small" with "minimal", creating a more formal tone.

a negligible difference between

Substitutes "gap" with "difference", shifting to a more abstract comparison.

a fine line separating

Uses a metaphorical expression to describe a subtle distinction.

a fractional disparity between

Employs more technical and formal language to describe a slight variance.

a hairline division between

Utilizes "hairline division" to emphasize the fineness and precision of the gap.

FAQs

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

Use "a small gap between" to describe a slight physical separation or a minor difference between two things. For example, "There was "a small gap between" the door and the frame", or "There's "a small gap between" what they say and what they do".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a slim gap between", "a slight gap between", or "a minor difference between".

Is it more appropriate to say "small gap" or "large gap"?

The choice between "small gap" and "large gap" depends on the actual size of the separation you are describing. Use "small gap" when the distance is minimal and "large gap" when the distance is considerable.

Can "a small gap between" refer to abstract concepts?

Yes, "a small gap between" can be used metaphorically to describe a minor difference in opinions, ideas, or performance. For example, "There's "a small gap between" their projected earnings and their actual revenue".