across the gap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "across the gap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical or metaphorical distance between two points, often implying a need to bridge that distance. Example: "The engineers worked tirelessly to create a solution that would allow communication across the gap between the two buildings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Wilson chucks his daughters across the gap in slo-mo.

The Guardian - Film

We stood and looked at each other across the gap.

The New York Times

We strolled across the gap and remounted our bikes.

The New York Times - Travel

That's when the explosion occurred, shooting flames across the gap that ignited Mr. Scandariato's clothing.

The New York Times

The boy jumps across the gap, reaches for the other side and pulls himself up.

The New York Times - Tech

"We're gradually launching the bridge across the gap," a spokesman, Travis Phelps, said Thursday.

The New York Times

Leaning against the scaffolding, they reached across the gap to help co-workers make the leap.

The New York Times

Shouting across the gap, she informs me that a water‑main has burst up the lane to the village.

The Guardian - Film

He had a friend in Acandí, though, just a kid, who guided Cubans across the gap all the time.

The New Yorker

If you waited long enough you generally saw a khaki-clad figure slip hurriedly across the gap.

The Guardian

This time the swim across the gap where the current had caught him the night before seemed endless.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "across the gap", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes the "gap". Be specific whether it's a physical distance, a conceptual difference, or a temporal span. For example: "across the gap in understanding" or "across the gap between generations".

Common error

Don't use "across the gap" when a more precise term like "over", "through", or "beyond" would better convey the intended meaning. The phrase is effective when highlighting the challenge of bridging the distance, not merely the act of movement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "across the gap" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying verbs or nouns to indicate movement, extension, or connection from one point to another over a space or barrier. Ludwig examples showcase its use in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

44%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "across the gap" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe the act of bridging or extending over a physical or metaphorical distance. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various domains—including news, science, and encyclopedias—demonstrate its widespread acceptance and utility. When writing, ensure the context clearly defines what the "gap" represents to avoid ambiguity. Consider related phrases like "bridging the distance" or "spanning the divide" for nuanced alternatives, and favor clarity over generality to maximize the impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spanning the divide

Focuses on bridging a figurative or literal division.

bridging the distance

Emphasizes overcoming the separation between two points.

traversing the space

Highlights the action of moving through or over an area.

overcoming the separation

Focuses on the act of conquering a division.

reaching the other side

Stresses the achievement of getting to the opposite end.

jumping over the divide

Implies a quick or abrupt movement past a barrier.

linking the boundaries

Highlights connection establishment between divided entities.

extending over the chasm

Describes an extension that spans a significant void.

covering the interval

Focuses on filling or addressing the area between two points.

crossing the boundary

Involves surpassing a defined border or limit.

FAQs

How can I use "across the gap" in a sentence?

You can use "across the gap" to describe bridging a physical or metaphorical distance. For instance, "The bridge extends across the gap between the two mountains" or "We need to find ways to communicate "over the divide" between different cultures."

What are some alternatives to "across the gap"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "spanning the divide", "bridging the distance", or "traversing the space". The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize overcoming a challenge, the act of covering a distance, or linking separate entities.

Is it correct to use "across the gap" in formal writing?

Yes, "across the gap" is appropriate for formal writing. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically sound and widely used in varied contexts including news, science and encyclopedias.

What's the difference between "across the gap" and ""over the divide""?

"Across the gap" generally refers to a more literal or measurable space, while ""over the divide"" often implies a more figurative or ideological separation. However, they can be used interchangeably in some contexts.