closing the gap between

USAGE SUMMARY

"closing the gap between" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the action of reducing or eliminating a difference or distance between two things or groups. Example: The new government policies aim to close the gap between the rich and the poor in our society.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Closing the gap between black and white achievement has become the nation's thorniest education challenge.

The New York Times

For decades, female athletes were closing the gap between their performances and those of males.

The New York Times - Health

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

The Guardian

As you say, closing the gap between white and minority students must remain "sacrosanct".

The New York Times

It will go nowhere near closing the gap between Russia's ambitions and its resources.

The Economist

Closing the gap between these bounds remains a major open problem.

Theoretical Computer Science

The effect could be health related, closing the gap between different incomes and better social relations between members of society.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

How some companies are closing the gap between thought and action is a major finding of this research.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Lowering volumetric residential rates would make end-user storage less valuable by closing the gap between retail and wholesale prices.

University of California, Berkeley

And apply to attend Closing the Gap Between Strategy and Execution, an MIT Sloan Executive Education course taught by Sull.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Pritchard lab will work on closing the gap between our understanding of coding DNA and the regulatory DNA.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "closing the gap between", clearly define the two entities or concepts you are comparing to ensure your meaning is precise and easily understood. Be specific about how the gap is being closed or should be closed.

Common error

Avoid using "closing the gap between" without specifying what is being bridged. For example, instead of saying 'Efforts are being made to close the gap', specify 'Efforts are being made to close the gap between academic theory and practical application'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closing the gap between" functions as a verbal phrase often acting as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase describes an action aimed at reducing differences. Examples show it used as a subject or object of a sentence, describing an ongoing process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

33%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "closing the gap between" is a frequently used phrase that describes the action of reducing or eliminating a disparity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. Its prevalent usage spans various contexts, notably in news, academia, and science, emphasizing efforts to bridge differences. To ensure clear communication, it's best to define the entities being compared, avoiding overgeneralization. Using alternative phrases such as "bridging the divide between", or "narrowing the divide between" can add nuance depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bridging the divide between

Uses 'bridging' instead of 'closing', emphasizing connection more than reduction of difference.

narrowing the divide between

Replaces 'closing' with 'narrowing', indicating a partial reduction rather than complete elimination of the gap.

reducing the disparity between

Substitutes 'gap' with 'disparity', highlighting inequality or imbalance.

minimizing the difference between

Focuses on making the 'difference' smaller, which can be more general than a 'gap'.

reconciling the variations between

Emphasizes bringing into agreement or harmony, suitable when dealing with conflicting elements.

addressing the inequality between

Specifically targets 'inequality', useful in socio-economic contexts.

linking disparate entities

Implies connecting separate entities rather than reducing a gap.

unifying distinct elements

Highlights bringing together separate elements, useful when the elements are clearly defined.

harmonizing conflicting aspects

Focuses on creating harmony where there is conflict, suitable for abstract concepts.

integrating separate components

Involves combining distinct parts into a unified whole, often in technical or systematic contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "closing the gap between" to describe efforts to reduce differences or inequalities, such as "Closing the gap between rich and poor requires systemic change" or "New technologies are closing the gap between virtual and real experiences".

What's a good alternative to "closing the gap between"?

Alternatives include "bridging the divide between", "narrowing the divide between", or "reducing the disparity between", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

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

The choice depends on the sentence structure. "Close the gap between" is an imperative or infinitive form, while "closing the gap between" is a gerund or participial phrase. For example, "We must close the gap between intention and action" versus "Closing the gap between intention and action is crucial for success".

What is the difference between "closing the gap between" and "reducing the gap between"?

While similar, "closing the gap between" often implies a more complete or definitive action, whereas "reducing the disparity between" suggests a partial or ongoing effort. The best choice depends on the degree of change you want to emphasize.