closing the gap

USAGE SUMMARY

"closing the gap" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as discussing progress, equality, or differences between two things. Here are some examples: 1. "The government has put forth a plan for closing the gap between the rich and the poor through tax reform and social programs." 2. "The new education program is aimed at closing the gap in literacy rates between urban and rural areas." 3. "After several years of research and development, the company finally succeeded in closing the gap between their product and the industry leader's." 4. "The coach's strategy of closing the gap between the team's offense and defense proved successful in their recent game." 5. "Her speech focused on closing the gap between genders in the workplace and promoting equal pay for equal work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We're closing the gap".

The New York Times - Sports

South Korea is also closing the gap.

The Economist

But Sarkozy is closing the gap.

The Guardian

"Goodman is closing the gap rapidly.

The New York Times

Now South Asia is closing the gap (see chart 3).

The Economist

The difficulty in closing the gap is psychological and financial.

The New York Times - Sports

Johnson was fifth, closing the gap to 15 points.

The New York Times - Sports

London has had some successes in closing the gap.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the Super Bowl victory is closing the gap.

The New York Times

Now it appears Mr. Robb may be closing the gap.

The New York Times

He added: "We're closing the gap with Nick".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "closing the gap", ensure you clearly define what gap you are referring to and the specific metrics being used to measure progress. For example, "closing the gap in reading scores between schools."

Common error

Avoid using "closing the gap" without specifying the context. Saying "we are closing the gap" is vague; specify what disparity you are addressing to provide clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closing the gap" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun within a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it typically describes an ongoing process or effort to diminish a difference between two or more entities or states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

18%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "closing the gap" is a versatile and frequently used expression that describes the act of reducing disparities or inequalities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability across various domains. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal discussions. Related phrases, such as "narrowing the gap" and "reducing disparities", offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. When employing "closing the gap", it's crucial to clearly define the specific gap being addressed to ensure clarity and avoid overgeneralization. In essence, the phrase serves as a valuable tool for conveying progress and efforts toward achieving greater equity and balance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

narrowing the gap

Suggests making the difference smaller, implying less of a complete resolution than fully "closing the gap".

lowering the gap

Suggests a reduction in difference but may imply a less complete or ambitious effort than fully "closing the gap".

decreasing the gap

Similar to "lowering the gap" but may refer to a more general lessening of the disparity and it's slightly less idiomatic

minimising the gap

Indicates an effort to reduce the disparity as much as possible, perhaps without fully eliminating it.

completing the gap

Focuses on making something whole or entire, implying a more absolute resolution than simply reducing a difference.

bridging the divide

Emphasizes connecting two separate entities or groups, rather than diminishing a measurable difference.

sealing the gap

Emphasizes preventing further divergence or leakage, implying containment more than progress.

closing the deficit

Specifically addresses financial shortfalls, limiting its general applicability compared to the broader "closing the gap".

excluding the gap

Highlights the removal or disregard of a difference, rather than actively diminishing it.

closing the loophole

Refers specifically to eliminating unintended legal avenues for avoidance, limiting its use to regulatory contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "closing the gap" to describe reducing disparities, such as "The new policies aim at "closing the gap" in income inequality" or "Efforts are underway to "closing the gap" in academic performance".

What are some alternatives to saying "closing the gap"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "narrowing the gap", "reducing disparities", or "bridging the divide".

Is it better to say "closing the gap" or "eliminate the gap"?

"Closing the gap" suggests progress toward reducing a difference, while "eliminate the gap" implies a complete removal. The best choice depends on whether the goal is gradual improvement or complete eradication.

What does it mean when someone refers to "closing the gap" in Indigenous affairs?

In the context of Indigenous affairs, ""closing the gap"" refers to strategies aimed at reducing inequalities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations in areas such as health, education, and employment.