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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
decreasing the gap
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "decreasing the gap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing reducing differences or disparities between two or more entities, such as in economics, education, or social issues. Example: "The government is implementing new policies aimed at decreasing the gap between the rich and the poor."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
17 human-written examples
More girls than boys continue to meet the phonics standard but this gap is decreasing, the gap between pupils eligible for free school meals and all other pupils has narrowed again, which is welcome," said Russell Hobby, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers.
News & Media
We observed that the critical current increases with decreasing the gap.
Hence, some techniques decreasing the gap between WCET and the average execution time are desired.
Decreasing the gap between the MWCNTs because of enhanced concentration of MWCNTs seems to the result in conversion of electron-transfer mechanism from quantum tunneling to hopping mechanism.
Science
Higher frequencies of ion oscillations and hence higher resolving power over fixed acquisition time are achieved by decreasing the gap between the inner and outer Orbitrap electrodes, thus providing higher field strength for a given voltage.
This would allow private enterprises to obtain higher returns in the micro sense and would also be helpful in decreasing the gap in regional economies and promoting more equal development across regions in a macro sense.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
43 human-written examples
They created the post of commissioner of education and established per-district spending guidelines to decrease the gap between rich and poor schools.
News & Media
While real wages stagnated (by some accounts decreased), the gap between those at the bottom and the middle increased – by 9% in less than a decade.
News & Media
However, increasing K decreases the gap between MWR and OWR.
Reducing savings at the margin now decreases the gap across locations by D s ′.
Science
As this parameter decreases, the gap between the BER curves corresponding to the linear system and nonlinear ones becomes significant.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Consider using more specific verbs or nouns to add precision. For example, instead of just "decreasing the gap", you might say "narrowing the achievement gap" or "reducing the income disparity".
Common error
Avoid using "decreasing the gap" without specifying what "gap" you are referring to. Vague usage can confuse readers and weaken your message. Always provide context to ensure clarity.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "decreasing the gap" functions as a noun phrase, specifically a gerund phrase, where "decreasing" acts as a verbal noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to denote the action of reducing a difference or disparity. This is evident in the examples provided, where it often serves as the subject or object of a sentence.
Frequent in
Science
65%
News & Media
23%
Formal & Business
12%
Less common in
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "decreasing the gap" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that functions as a noun. As noted by Ludwig AI, it appears most often in scientific, news media, and formal business contexts, where it conveys the intent or effort to diminish differences or disparities. Usage guidance suggests being specific about the "gap" being addressed to avoid vagueness. Alternative phrases include "narrowing the divide" and "reducing the disparity", which offer similar meanings while diversifying word choice. Therefore, understanding the context and employing precise language can enhance the effectiveness of this phrase.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
reducing the disparity
Specifically addresses the reduction of inequality or imbalance.
narrowing the divide
Focuses on the concept of reducing a separation or disagreement.
lessening the difference
Highlights the act of making something less distinct or pronounced.
alleviating the inequality
Addresses the reduction of unfairness or disparity in status or opportunity.
bridging the divide
Emphasizes the action of connecting or linking two distinct entities.
mitigating the discrepancy
Highlights the action of reducing inconsistencies or differences.
minimizing the contrast
Focuses on reducing the degree of dissimilarity between things.
closing the distance
Implies a reduction in the physical or metaphorical space between two points.
shrinking the chasm
Emphasizes a significant reduction in a large division or separation.
dwindling the separation
Focuses on the gradual reduction of distance or distinction.
FAQs
What does "decreasing the gap" mean?
The phrase "decreasing the gap" refers to the action of reducing the difference or disparity between two or more entities, whether these are groups, values, or concepts. It implies a move towards greater equality or similarity.
What can I say instead of "decreasing the gap"?
You can use alternatives like "narrowing the divide", "reducing the disparity", or "bridging the divide" depending on the context.
Is "decreasing the gap" grammatically correct?
Yes, "decreasing the gap" is grammatically correct. It uses the gerund form of the verb "decrease" functioning as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.
In what contexts is "decreasing the gap" commonly used?
"Decreasing the gap" is commonly used in contexts relating to economics, education, social issues, technology, and health, where differences between groups or outcomes are being addressed. Examples include income inequality, achievement disparities, and access to resources.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested