an expanding gap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an expanding gap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a growing difference or disparity between two entities, such as groups, ideas, or economic conditions. Example: "The report highlights an expanding gap between the rich and the poor in our society."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Increase in demand for our primary foodstuffs is outstripping increase in yields, an expanding gap that indicates large potential food shortages by mid-century.

Cell

As refugees formally apply for asylum, there's an expanding gap between countries of transit and countries of destination, and as the crisis spreads farther north and west, the need continues to grow for a working, coordinated response to bring refugees into the labor market.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

David Kuziemko Sterling Heights, Mich., Oct. 27, 2009 • To the Editor: David Brooks dances around the real issue of executive compensation: in the last 30 years there has been a rapidly expanding gap between the top salaries and those of the lower ranks.

The New York Times

Obama recently called the expanding gap between rich and poor a bigger threat to the U.S. economy than the budget deficit.

Los Angeles Times

A key challenge for the international community is narrowing the rapidly expanding gap between rich and poor people.

The Guardian

Mr. Baker is the first to note that the expanding gap may not be attributable solely to the too-big-to-fail policy.

The New York Times

Heading into the elections, the foremost issue for Israeli voters appeared to be the rising cost of living and expanding gap between rich and poor.

BBC

Do these master's-trained, board-certified nurses have the skills needed for autonomous practice that can help bridge the expanding gap between need and health care services?

Johns Hopkins University

This interaction results in an expanding forest gap, with subsequent colonization by early-successional vegetation.

Forest Ecology and Management

Lawmakers had passed a budget in February, but the legislation, which covered 17 months' worth of spending, was dependent on the passage of ballot propositions that failed in May, resulting in an expanding budget gap.

The New York Times

Lawmakers passed a budget in February, but the legislation, which covered 17 months' worth of spending, was dependent on the passage of ballot propositions that failed in May, resulting in an expanding budget gap.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an expanding gap" to describe situations where a difference or inequality is growing, such as in economic, social, or technological contexts. Be specific about what two things the gap is between for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "an expanding gap" without clearly defining what the gap is between. Ensure the context makes it obvious which two entities are being compared; otherwise, the phrase becomes vague and loses its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an expanding gap" functions as a noun phrase, where "expanding" acts as an adjective modifying "gap". It identifies a growing difference or disparity between two or more things. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's perfectly usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an expanding gap" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to describe a growing disparity between two entities. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. While relatively common in news, scientific, and academic contexts, it's important to define clearly what the gap is between to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "a widening divide" and "an increasing disparity". Using this phrase effectively involves clear communication and contextual awareness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an increasing disparity

Focuses on the growing inequality between two things.

a growing divide

Highlights the separation that is becoming more pronounced.

a widening chasm

Emphasizes a large and growing separation.

an escalating gulf

Implies a significant and intensifying separation.

a broadening gulf

Indicates that the difference is becoming extensive.

a burgeoning difference

Suggests a difference that is rapidly developing.

an extending separation

Emphasizes the act of distancing becoming greater.

a spreading breach

Conveys a break or rupture that is becoming wider.

a swelling discrepancy

Focuses on an inconsistency that is growing larger.

an amplifying contrast

Highlights an increasingly noticeable difference.

FAQs

How can I use "an expanding gap" in a sentence?

Use "an expanding gap" to illustrate a growing difference or disparity. For example, "The report highlights "an expanding gap" between the rich and the poor" or "There's "an expanding gap" in digital literacy between generations".

What are some alternatives to "an expanding gap"?

Alternatives include "a widening divide", "an increasing disparity", or "a growing gulf". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "widening gap" or "expanding gap"?

Both "widening gap" and "expanding gap" are acceptable and convey a similar meaning. "Expanding" suggests a more gradual increase, while "widening" might imply a more dramatic or noticeable change. The choice depends on the specific context and the desired emphasis.

In what contexts is "an expanding gap" most commonly used?

"An expanding gap" is frequently used in discussions about economic inequality, technological disparities, and educational achievement. It highlights areas where differences are growing and often signals a need for intervention or change.