close the gap in

USAGE SUMMARY

"close the gap in" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to bridge or narrow the distance or difference between two things. Example: In order to achieve gender equality, we must work towards closing the gap in pay between male and female employees.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Marlins had a chance to close the gap in the third.

The New York Times - Sports

Medicare officials encouraged insurers to help close the gap in 2007, and many companies responded.

The New York Times

Congress must close the gap in resources between the two regulators.

The New York Times

When money is tight, the struggle to close the gap in athletic opportunity is even tougher.

The New York Times

Outcomes-based funding will not close the gap in third-grade reading.

The Washington Post

Then it was the role of the education institutions to close the gap in terms of skills training.

Stanford University

"I will not close the gap in an election by opening one in the body politic," he declared.

The New York Times - Magazine

Common sense suggests the G.O.P. will find the money to help Mr. Lazio close the gap in the polls.

The New York Times

He plans to close the gap in his church between heaven in the nave and earth in the basement gym.

The New York Times - Sports

It needs to close the gap in its 2009-10 projections by the end of this month.

The New York Times

In today's Guardian, Lucy Tobin asks if that means boys will close the gap in those areas too.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "close the gap in", ensure you clearly define the two elements between which the gap is being closed to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "close the gap in" when simply aiming to improve something without a specific comparison. Instead of saying "close the gap in our product quality", focus on improving the product quality directly if no benchmark is used.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close the gap in" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe actions aimed at reducing or eliminating a difference or disparity between two measurable entities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "close the gap in" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that conveys the act of reducing or eliminating a disparity between two entities. Ludwig AI confirms that. As shown in the examples, it appears frequently in contexts related to News & Media, Science, and Academia. To ensure clarity, clearly define the elements between which the gap is being closed. While generally neutral, the level of formality can shift based on the specific vocabulary and subject matter. Be cautious not to misuse it simply to indicate general improvement without a clear point of comparison.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bridge the divide in

Implies connecting two separate entities or viewpoints; focuses on overcoming a significant separation.

narrow the disparity in

Highlights reducing an unfair or unjust difference; emphasizes inequality.

reduce the difference in

A more general term for making things more similar without necessarily implying inequality.

diminish the inequality in

Specifically aims to lessen unequal circumstances or outcomes; stronger focus on justice.

level the playing field in

A more idiomatic expression suggesting a fairer situation; often used in competitive contexts.

equalize the opportunity in

Focuses on making opportunities more accessible and fair for everyone.

address the imbalance in

Tackles a lack of equilibrium or proportion, suggesting a need for correction.

rectify the deficiency in

Implies correcting a lack or inadequacy; often used in formal or technical contexts.

mitigate the shortage in

Reduces the negative impact of having less than enough of something.

ameliorate the contrast in

Softens or improves the starkness of a comparison, reducing harshness.

FAQs

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

The phrase "close the gap in" is used to describe actions that reduce a difference or inequality between two things. For example: "The new policy aims to "close the gap in" educational achievement between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds."

What's the difference between ""close the gap in"" and "bridge the divide in"?

"Close the gap in" generally refers to reducing a measurable difference. "Bridge the divide in" suggests overcoming a separation, often in opinions or understanding.

Which is correct: ""close the gap in"" or "narrow the gap in"?

Both phrases are correct and often interchangeable. "Close the gap in" implies fully eliminating the difference, while "narrow the gap in" suggests reducing it without necessarily eliminating it entirely.

What can I say instead of ""close the gap in"" when discussing inequalities?

When talking about inequalities, you can use alternatives like "reduce the disparity in", "diminish the inequality in", or "level the playing field in".