but the gap is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but the gap is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a difference or disparity in a particular context, often followed by a description of the gap. Example: "The project is progressing well, but the gap is still significant between our current results and our target goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But the gap is shrinking.

The New York Times

But the gap is closing.

Forbes

But the gap is narrowing.

The Economist

But the gap is closing fast.

The New York Times

"But the gap is still really big".

The New York Times - Health

But the gap is surprising.

The New York Times

But the gap is closing quickly.

The New York Times - Tech

Rebeccah has always beaten Laurel, but the gap is narrowing.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm still running from that, but the gap is closing".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"But instead the gap is getting wider," he said.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

But make no mistake, the gap is closing.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but the gap is" to introduce a contrasting point, often indicating that a previously established difference is changing or being addressed. Follow it with specific details about the nature and extent of the gap.

Common error

Avoid starting sentences with "But the gap is" without clearly referencing what "gap" you are discussing. Always ensure the reader understands the entities or concepts being compared.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but the gap is" functions as a transitional phrase, introducing a contrast or qualification to a preceding statement. It sets up an expectation of change, difference, or comparison. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but the gap is" serves as a crucial transitional phrase, utilized to introduce a contrasting element while acknowledging an existing difference or disparity. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely applicable in English writing. Its frequency and appearance across diverse contexts such as news, science, and academia highlight its versatility and importance in conveying nuanced perspectives. Remember to consider the specific nature of the gap and the intended audience when using this phrase to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, the discrepancy is still there

Replaces "but" with "however" and "gap" with "discrepancy", which emphasizes the contrast and that the disagreement is still there.

yet, the difference remains

Substitutes "but" with "yet" and "gap" with "difference", highlighting the continuing existence of a distinction.

however, the disparity exists

Replaces "but" with "however" and "gap" with "disparity", emphasizing the contrast and the difference in magnitude.

nonetheless, a divide persists

Uses "nonetheless" instead of "but" and "divide" for "gap", conveying a sense of ongoing separation.

in contrast, the imbalance remains

Substitutes "but" with "in contrast" and "gap" with "imbalance", highlighting the situation of being in lack of equilibrium that remains.

still, the margin endures

Replaces "but" with "still" and "gap" with "margin", focusing on the continuation of a leading or trailing amount.

even so, the separation continues

Employs "even so" for "but" and "separation" for "gap", stressing the uninterrupted state of being apart.

despite this, the variance is present

Utilizes "despite this" to replace "but" and substitutes "gap" with "variance", underscoring the existing difference.

conversely, the breach exists

Replaces "but" with "conversely" and "gap" with "breach", emphasizing an opposite situation and the presence of a rupture.

on the other hand, the inequality persists

Uses "on the other hand" instead of "but" and replaces "gap" with "inequality", highlighting a contrasting perspective and the continuation of unfairness.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "but the gap is" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "however, a discrepancy exists", "nevertheless, a disparity remains", or "conversely, an imbalance persists". These alternatives offer a more sophisticated way to express contrast while maintaining clarity and precision.

What's the difference between "but the gap is narrowing" and "but the gap is widening"?

The phrase "but the gap is narrowing" indicates that a previously existing difference is decreasing over time. Conversely, "but the gap is widening" suggests that the difference is increasing. The choice depends on whether the disparity is becoming smaller or larger.

Is it correct to use "but the gap is" at the beginning of a sentence?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "but the gap is" might sound less fluid. It's often better to introduce the context first and then use "but the gap is" to present the contrasting information. For example, "While progress has been made, "but the gap is" still significant".

What are some synonyms for "gap" in the phrase "but the gap is"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "gap" with synonyms like "disparity", "difference", "divide", "discrepancy", "imbalance", or "margin". Each word slightly alters the nuance, so choose the one that best fits the specific situation.