closes the gap between

USAGE SUMMARY

'closes the gap between' is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you're discussing how two different ideas, concepts, or facts have been bridged together. For example, "The new law closes the gap between the wealthy and the poor by providing subsidies to help with basic needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

The closing-the-gap approach considers a reform successful to the extent that it closes the gap between the sector subject to reform and the more advanced sectors in society; in other words, reform would be expected to help integrate agriculture with the rest of the economy and the rural population with the urban community in terms of opportunities and levels of living.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Wealth closes the gap between rich and poor.

The Guardian

But Meno closes the gap between them and us in an inventive way.

The New York Times - Books

The price an electrician charges closes the gap between a little knowledge and the professional's expertise.

The New York Times

Harriet closes the gap between herself and the material, and in that way she closes it for the audience.

The New Yorker

"He closes the gap between fiction and reality, between the duality of life and art," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Love transforms the pain of loss and suffering and closes the gaps between us.

Huffington Post

"I have tried to close the gap between us.

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times - Tech

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

The New York Times

At its heart, this includes closing the gap between the most disadvantaged and the others.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "closes the gap between", ensure you clearly identify both elements being connected or brought closer together for clarity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the effect of something that "closes the gap between". Be realistic about the degree of connection or reduction achieved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closes the gap between" functions as a connector, indicating a reduction in the difference or separation between two distinct entities. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, showcasing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "closes the gap between" effectively conveys the act of connecting or reducing the difference between two distinct elements. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and primarily found in News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. While alternatives like "bridges the divide between" or "narrows the divide between" exist, "closes the gap between" maintains a unique emphasis on complete connection. When using the phrase, it's essential to clearly identify both entities involved and avoid exaggerating the impact of the connection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bridges the divide between

This alternative emphasizes the action of connecting two separate things.

reduces the disparity between

This alternative focuses on minimizing the inequality or difference between two things.

narrows the divide between

This alternative suggests making the gap smaller, bringing things closer together.

connects the dots between

This alternative implies creating a relationship or understanding between seemingly unrelated things.

harmonizes the relationship between

This alternative focuses on creating a peaceful or balanced connection.

reconciles the differences between

This alternative highlights resolving conflicts or inconsistencies between two things.

ameliorates the contrast between

This alternative focuses on softening or lessening the stark difference.

integrates the aspects of

This alternative emphasizes the bringing together of different parts into a whole.

unifies the concepts of

This alternative suggests merging distinct ideas into one coherent understanding.

links the elements of

This alternative emphasizes establishing a connection between distinct parts or components.

FAQs

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

You can use "closes the gap between" to describe how something connects or reduces the difference between two distinct entities. For instance, "This new technology "closes the gap between" theoretical research and practical application".

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

Some alternatives include "bridges the divide between", "reduces the disparity between", or "narrows the divide between", each conveying a slightly different nuance of connection or reduction.

Is it better to say "close the gap between" or "reduce the gap between"?

Both "close the gap between" and "reduce the gap between" are correct, but they imply different degrees of impact. "Close" suggests a complete connection, while "reduce" suggests a partial lessening of the difference.

What's the difference between "closes the gap between" and "creates a bridge between"?

"Closes the gap between" implies a prior separation that is being diminished. "Creates a bridge between", on the other hand, suggests building a new connection where none previously existed, although they are very similar.