create a gap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "create a gap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate the act of making a space or interval between two things, whether physical or metaphorical. Example: "To improve communication, we need to create a gap between our assumptions and the actual feedback we receive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Go for Dave's jugular, create a gap.

The Guardian - Opinion

They earned a scrum on Leicester's 22 and Machenaud schemed with Chris Masoe to create a gap for the centre Henry Chavancy.

The Guardian - Sport

It involves adding new elements spaced to create a gap between two and five inches wide between them and existing surfaces.

The New York Times

Just before the start we agreed to work together to create a gap on those behind and make sure we were racing for third and fourth, not sixth and seventh, before duking it out at the end of the day.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Other causes include a tendency to thrust the tongue outward upon swallowing, a habit that can create sufficient pressure on teeth to create a gap, or bone loss caused by gum disease.

The New York Times

Crispin Porter, which had previously been assigned to create a Gap campaign for the holiday shopping season, is taking over the additional duties from Laird & Partners, New York, which had been the Gap agency of record since 2002.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

In the following, we create a GAP-L version of the Reeder Knight flowgram denoiser, using the basic pairwise alignment algorithm from Section 2.1 as starting point.

Bioinformatics

"This created a gap for the terrorists to attack the police station," he said.

The New York Times

What creates a gap is Mr. Gooch's use of the word "so".

The New York Times - Books

"The absence of a body against my body created a gap, a hole, a hunger," Ensler confesses at the outset.

The New York Times - Books

"Instead of increasing differences, creating a gap, I have strong hope that we are creating conditions to unite.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "create a gap", consider the context to ensure clarity. It can refer to physical spaces, differences in opinion, or even strategic advantages. Choose precise language to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "create a gap" in overly abstract or vague situations where a more specific verb would provide better clarity. For instance, instead of saying "The new policy created a gap in understanding", consider "The new policy led to misunderstandings" to be more direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "create a gap" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "create" is the main verb and "a gap" is the direct object. It signifies the action of bringing a separation or space into existence. Ludwig shows that the phrase is used in both literal and figurative senses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

41%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "create a gap" is a versatile and frequently used expression that signifies the action of establishing a separation, difference, or space. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, from physical spaces to abstract concepts. While highly versatile, consider alternatives like "establish a divide" or "open up a space" to enhance clarity in specific situations. Remember to avoid overuse in overly abstract contexts where more direct language would be more effective. Whether describing a strategic advantage or a physical alteration, mastering the use of "create a gap" will undoubtedly improve the depth and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish a divide

Focuses on the act of setting up a clear separation or boundary.

open up a space

Implies creating a physical or metaphorical area that was previously occupied or unavailable.

form a separation

Emphasizes the process of something becoming distinct or divided.

leave a distance

Highlights the resulting space between two points after movement or change.

widen the divide

Highlights the act of making an existing separation larger or more significant.

carve out a niche

Suggests creating a unique and specific position or role, often in a competitive environment.

generate a void

Focuses on producing an empty space or a feeling of emptiness.

cultivate a disparity

Indicates the deliberate development of an inequality or difference.

initiate a breach

Suggests starting a break or violation of a rule, agreement, or physical barrier.

foster a disconnection

Implies nurturing a lack of connection or relationship between entities.

FAQs

How can I use "create a gap" in a sentence?

You can use "create a gap" to describe the act of making space, difference, or separation. For example, "The team aimed to "establish a divide" between themselves and the competition by innovating quickly."

What are some alternatives to "create a gap"?

Some alternatives include "open up a space", "form a separation", or "leave a distance", depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "create a gap" or "develop a gap"?

"Create a gap" and "develop a gap" are both acceptable, but "create a gap" implies a more immediate or intentional action, while "develop a gap" suggests a gradual process.

Can "create a gap" be used in both physical and abstract contexts?

Yes, "create a gap" can be used in both physical contexts (e.g., "The construction crew needed to create a gap in the wall") and abstract contexts (e.g., "The conflicting reports threatened to "foster a disconnection" between the departments").