cover the gaps

USAGE SUMMARY

"cover the gaps" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe the action of filling in missing information or completing unfinished tasks. Example: During the team meeting, we need to cover the gaps in our project plan to ensure that all aspects of the project have been thoroughly addressed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

The rest I forget, so ignore, and then cover the gaps with flimflam.

The Times

Last week it emerged that a police chief is threatening to take legal action over his force having to cover the gaps in mental health services.

The Guardian

The law, however, allows states to cover the gaps and deductibles for low-income people as long as no federal money is used.

The New York Times

Currently, 25 states have run out of unemployment money and have borrowed $24 billion from the federal government to cover the gaps.

The Washington Post

The statement says:  As today's bushfire emergency hit — with multiple fires in Western Sydney, the Hawkesbury, Blue Mountains and the Central Coast — Fire and Rescue NSW has had to recall off-duty firefighters to cover the gaps and closures.

The Guardian

Jock Clear, Ferrari's head of racing activities, says: "The team is going to have to work hard to cover the gaps – Mattia will need help and we have to pull together.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

As wages failed to keep pace with living costs, personal debt increased to cover the gap.

The Guardian - Opinion

So they made Patches a new "skull" to cover the gap.

The New York Times - Science

With a gap of about $15,000, they said that would cover the gap for nearly 3,500 new electric cars.

The Guardian

Starting Sunday, when Miller races a slalom in Austria, he has 39 chances to cover the gap.

The New York Times - Sports

The extra payments from the state are meant to cover the gap between benefits and the Federal minimum wage.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider more sophisticated synonyms like 'bridge the divide' or 'compensate for deficiencies' to add nuance and specificity to your message.

Common error

Avoid using "cover the gaps" as a generic phrase without specifying which gaps are being addressed. This can lead to unclear and weak writing. Always provide context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cover the gaps" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action taken to remedy deficiencies or complete missing parts. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable. The examples show its use in various contexts, from mental health services to technical processes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

37%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cover the gaps" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the action of filling deficiencies or addressing omissions. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, with a neutral register. When using this phrase, be sure to provide adequate context to clarify what specific gaps are being addressed. Consider alternatives like "fill the void" or "make up the difference" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make up the difference

Highlights compensating for a shortfall, often in a quantifiable sense like money or points.

fill the void

Implies addressing an emotional or abstract emptiness, rather than a tangible gap.

compensate for deficiencies

Emphasizes addressing inadequacies or weaknesses in something.

address the shortcomings

Focuses on rectifying flaws or imperfections in a particular area.

make amends for omissions

Highlights correcting or compensating for something that was left out or neglected.

bridge the divide

Focuses on connecting two distinct entities or viewpoints, rather than simply filling a space.

close the breach

Suggests repairing a break or violation of a boundary or security.

plug the leaks

Implies stopping something from escaping or being lost, often referring to resources or information.

patch the holes

Suggests a temporary or quick fix to cover up problems.

iron out the wrinkles

Focuses on resolving minor problems or inconsistencies to achieve a smoother result.

FAQs

How can I use "cover the gaps" in a sentence?

You can use "cover the gaps" to describe filling in missing information, compensating for deficiencies, or completing unfinished tasks. For example: "The additional training will help to "cover the gaps" in their knowledge.".

What are some alternatives to "cover the gaps"?

Alternatives to "cover the gaps" include "fill the void", "make up the difference", or "compensate for deficiencies", depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "cover the gaps" or "fill the gaps"?

Both "cover the gaps" and "fill the gaps" are acceptable, but "cover the gaps" often implies a more comprehensive approach to addressing deficiencies, while "fill the gaps" might suggest simply adding what's missing.

In what contexts is it best to avoid using "cover the gaps"?

Avoid using "cover the gaps" in highly formal or technical contexts where more precise language is expected. Consider alternatives like "address the shortcomings" or "bridge the divide" instead.