a thin gap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thin gap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a narrow space or opening between two objects or surfaces. Example: "There was only a thin gap between the two walls, just enough for a sliver of light to shine through."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

He could hear the roar of the waterfall growing louder as he went, but an enormous stalagmite blocked the way, with only a thin gap to one side.

The New Yorker

Instead of looking for vulnerabilities in the company's networks or trying to hack the card readers at the building's entrances, he and another hacker shimmied a wet washcloth on a hanger through a thin gap in one of its exits.

Forbes

This time the Samsung Galaxy Note 4, the latest phablet to enamor the Android crowd, has been reported shipping with a thin gap between the screen and the walls of the case.

TechCrunch

For the InGaP/GaAs system, the action of In segregation has been proven by experiments, showing that the growth of a thin GaP layer on the top of InGaP, before GaAs is grown, is effective in preventing the formation of the quaternary interlayer because In segregates into the interposed GaP layer and cannot reach the GaAs [5].

Nanoscale Research Letters

Skip 3 cm (1.2 in), then draw two thick lines with a thin gap in between.

WikiHow

They should be snug underneath the second plate, and a thin gap between plates should be visible.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

(Not all hole punchers can be adjusted) Put the piece of paper in the side of the hole punch with a thinner gap.

WikiHow

Leave a very thin gap (about 1/16") between the two pieces so the solder will be able to flow into the seam.

WikiHow

Mr. Szczesny, who belongs to a collective called Centrala, which is devoted to experimental architecture, got the far-fetched idea of building a house in the incredibly thin gap between them.

The New York Times

I usually end up having to slide a finger nail in the thin gap in the front to pry the top and bottom apart.

TechCrunch

Fabricating mechanical switches with a low stiffness and a thin air gap is challenging because a mechanically compliant structure is subject to bending because of stress and stress gradients in the suspended beam.

Micro and Nano Systems Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects or spaces, use "a thin gap" to indicate a small but measurable separation. Consider whether alternative terms like "slit" or "crevice" might be more precise depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "a thin gap" when describing abstract concepts like differences of opinion. Opt for phrases like "slight disagreement" or "narrow margin" instead to maintain clarity and avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thin gap" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "thin" modifies the noun "gap". Ludwig's analysis and the examples indicate its role in describing physical spaces or separations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

29%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a thin gap" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that describes a narrow space or opening. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase appears most frequently in scientific, news, and wiki contexts. While it can be used in various situations, it's important to consider the specific context and choose more descriptive alternatives when appropriate, such as "narrow crevice" or "fine slit", to convey the intended meaning more precisely. Be mindful of overuse in abstract contexts, and prefer alternatives that more accurately reflect the intended concept. In summary, use "a thin gap" to accurately describe and define a small separation in objects, being aware of precision and correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

narrow crevice

Replaces "thin gap" with a slightly more specific term for a crack-like opening.

small aperture

Uses a more technical term for a small opening, suitable for describing optical or mechanical elements.

fine slit

Emphasizes the narrowness and length of the gap, like a cut or incision.

slight opening

Focuses on the fact that there is an opening, even if very small.

minimal space

Highlights the lack of space between two objects or surfaces.

hairline crack

Implies a very narrow and often unwanted opening, like a flaw in a material.

minute interval

Describes a small separation in time or space, often used in scientific contexts.

narrow separation

Focuses on the act of separating two things by a small distance.

limited clearance

Highlights the constraint of movement due to the small gap.

tiny interstice

Uses a more formal term for a small space between things, often in packed materials.

FAQs

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

You can use "a thin gap" to describe a narrow space between two objects. For example, "There was "a thin gap" between the door and the frame."

What is a more descriptive alternative to "a thin gap"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "narrow crevice", "fine slit", or "slight opening" to provide a more vivid description.

When is it appropriate to use "a thin gap" instead of "a wide gap"?

"A thin gap" is used when the space is noticeably narrow. Use "a wide gap" when the space is significantly broad. The choice depends on the actual size of the separation you are describing.

Is it better to say "a thin gap" or "a narrow gap"?

Both "a thin gap" and "a narrow gap" are correct and often interchangeable. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference, but "thin" emphasizes the small dimension of thickness, while "narrow" focuses on the small dimension of width.