close the gap between

USAGE SUMMARY

"close the gap between" is a grammatically correct phrase and is commonly used in written English.
It means to reduce the distance or difference between two things. Example: Our company's goal is to close the gap between our budget and our expenses by implementing cost-saving measures.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I have tried to close the gap between us.

The New Yorker

College, they believed, could help close the gap between the economic haves and have nots.

The New York Times

We're working hard to close the gap between us and the other provinces".

The New York Times

Still, to be effective, NATO must close the gap between United States and European military capabilities.

The New York Times

Such aggressive discounting has helped close the gap between Broadway and Off Broadway prices.

The New York Times

The contract will close the gap between Sony and Texas Instruments in the digital projector market.

The New York Times - Tech

The American project, in his estimation, is to close the gap between ideals and lived reality.

The New York Times

Until then, readers are encouraged to close the gap between the sales figures of Drury and Franzen.

The Guardian - Books

Let's close the gap between expectations and reality, and tantalise our customers with things they never dreamt possible.

The Guardian

Even Tony Blair's Labour government was reluctant, or unwilling, to close the gap between rich and poor.

The Guardian

Current energy policy provides neither the regulatory framework nor economic incentives needed to close the gap between supply and demand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "close the gap between", clearly identify the two entities you are comparing. This provides context and prevents ambiguity. For example, "close the gap between revenue and expenses".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the success of efforts to "close the gap between". Instead of saying "We have completely closed the gap", opt for more realistic statements like "We have significantly narrowed the gap" if complete parity hasn't been achieved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close the gap between" functions as a transitive verb phrase, requiring an object to specify what two things are being brought closer together. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is often used to describe efforts to diminish disparities or inequalities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close the gap between" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that signifies the act of reducing disparities or differences. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and has broad applicability. It functions as a transitive verb phrase, requiring specification of the entities being brought closer. Found predominantly in News & Media and Science contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for various communication styles. Remember to be clear about the entities being compared and to avoid overstating the impact of your efforts. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, you can effectively employ "close the gap between" to convey intentions of promoting equality, alignment, or improved understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bridge the divide between

Uses "bridge" instead of "close", implying a connection is being built. "Divide" emphasizes the separation.

narrow the divide between

Uses "narrow" suggesting reduction in difference. "Divide" emphasizes the separation.

reduce the disparity between

"Reduce" is a more general term for lessening. "Disparity" highlights inequality.

minimize the difference between

"Minimize" focuses on making the difference as small as possible.

reconcile the differences between

Implies bringing things into agreement. More suitable when there's conflict.

bring closer together

A simpler, more general phrase suggesting a decrease in distance or difference.

connect the dots between

Focuses on establishing a relationship or understanding between separate elements.

level the playing field between

Specifically aims to create equal opportunities in a competitive context.

blur the lines between

Suggests making distinctions less clear or distinct.

synchronize differences between

Bringing elements in alignment by adjusting the timing of changes or actions. The term is most suitable in technical contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "close the gap between" in a sentence?

The phrase "close the gap between" is used to describe actions taken to reduce differences or inequalities. For example, "The new policy aims to "close the gap between" rich and poor".

What are some alternatives to "close the gap between"?

You can use alternatives such as "bridge the divide between", "narrow the divide between", or "reduce the disparity between" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "close the gap between" or "narrow the gap between"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""close the gap between"" implies a complete elimination of the difference, while "narrow the gap between" suggests a reduction, but not necessarily a complete removal, of the difference.

What kind of gaps can I "close the gap between"?

The phrase can be applied to various types of gaps, including those related to income, skills, performance, expectations, and more. For instance, you might want to ""close the gap between" supply and demand" or between theoretical and applied knowledge.