a vast gulf

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vast gulf" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant difference or separation between two things, such as ideas, opinions, or physical spaces. Example: "There is a vast gulf between the two political parties on this issue, making compromise difficult."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And there is a vast gulf between Democrats and Republicans.

The Washington Post

Unless you were born yesterday, you already know there's a vast gulf between C.E.O.

The New York Times

Anti-establishment A vast gulf separates Tea Party Republicans from the inchoate Wall Street Occupiers.

The New York Times

However, there is a vast gulf between the pro-Corbyn and anti-Corbyn camps.

The Guardian

Before the Internet collapsed time and space, a vast gulf existed between writers and readers.

The New York Times - Tech

In a down market, such differences between funds can produce a vast gulf in results.

The New York Times

Now agreement is even less likely, with both parties separated by a vast gulf of $160,000.

Harvard University

Despite a vast gulf in media coverage of the two meetings, they were, in fact, tightly linked.

The Economist

Campion also said she doesn't see a vast gulf between film and television, in terms of quality.

The Guardian

There's a vast gulf between the cute campery of the likes of Brian Dowling and an actively sexual gay man.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Poor McCain has been trying desperately to convince the public that there's a vast, vast gulf between him and the current administration.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a vast gulf" to highlight significant and often difficult-to-bridge differences, whether in opinions, values, or resources.

Common error

Avoid using "a vast gulf" when the difference is minor or easily resolved; it's best reserved for truly significant divides.

Linguistic Context

A vast gulf functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object. It describes a substantial separation or difference. The examples in Ludwig show this phrase used to illustrate gaps between ideologies, economic statuses, or opinions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a vast gulf" effectively conveys a significant difference or separation, often implying a challenge in bridging the divide. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and academic contexts. While versatile, it's best reserved for describing truly substantial disparities to avoid overstatement. Consider alternatives such as "a significant divide" or "a wide chasm" to tailor the nuance of your message. In summary, "a vast gulf" is a potent tool for highlighting major divides across a spectrum of subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wide chasm

Suggests a deep and potentially impassable separation.

a significant divide

Emphasizes the separation more than the scale.

a great divide

Focuses on division and disagreement.

a profound distinction

Emphasizes the depth and importance of the difference.

a considerable gap

Less dramatic, indicating a noteworthy difference.

an immense disparity

Highlights the unequal nature of the distinction.

a deep canyon

Similar to chasm, suggests a difficult to traverse divide.

a yawning void

Implies emptiness and a difficulty in bridging the gap.

a substantial difference

Highlights the degree of unlikeness.

a marked contrast

Focuses on the clear and obvious differences.

FAQs

How can I use "a vast gulf" in a sentence?

Use "a vast gulf" to describe a significant divide or difference between two things, for example: "There is "a vast gulf" between their understanding of the issue and mine.

What phrases are similar to "a vast gulf"?

Alternatives include "a significant divide", "a wide chasm", or "a considerable gap", each carrying slightly different nuances of separation.

Is it appropriate to use "a vast gulf" in formal writing?

Yes, "a vast gulf" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when emphasizing a substantial difference or separation as supported by Ludwig.

What's the difference between "a vast gulf" and "a slight difference"?

"A vast gulf" denotes a major, often unbridgeable gap, whereas "a slight difference" implies a minor, easily overlooked distinction.