feel the gap

USAGE SUMMARY

"feel the gap" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is typically used to refer to a feeling of emptiness or absence in one's life. For example, "After the death of her mother, the young girl could feel the gap in her life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

They feel the gap between where they are now and those leaders," Kazakoff said.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And I just feel the gap is too wide between the idealization and the reality.

The New Yorker

Some local employees, although grateful for the help they do receive from their employers, feel the gap.

The New York Times

Although it gives the Party of the Regions leader Mr Yanukovich his anticipated 10 per cent lead, Mr Timoshenko will not feel the gap between them is insurmountable.

Independent

That is little consolation, however, to the people of Diepsloot, who feel the gap between haves and have-nots continues to widen.

The Guardian

More and more people feel the gap between the profligate promises of individual freedom and sovereignty, and the incapacity of their political and economic organisations to realise them.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Back then, she had hardly felt the gap in age between her husband and her, but these days she was feeling it more.

The New Yorker

He feels the gap is shrinking.

The New York Times - Sports

So Singh feels the gap between Woods and the pack has closed.

The New York Times - Sports

"Of course, you could say that is the case in many countries, but in North Korea I felt the gap was much wider in how men and women relate to their physical appearance".

The Guardian

The RFU, along with the other Six Nations unions, feels the gap between the Six Nations and the second tier could be disastrous, and needs reassurance from World Rugby about how that second division would look.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel the gap" to express a personal or emotional understanding of an absence or disparity, rather than a purely intellectual recognition. For example, "After moving to a new city, she could feel the gap in her social life."

Common error

Avoid using "feel the gap" in contexts that require a more objective or quantitative assessment. Opt for terms like "measure the difference" or "quantify the disparity" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel the gap" functions as a verbal expression indicating a subjective experience of recognizing an absence, disparity, or void. Ludwig examples show it used to express personal feelings of loss or difference. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to describe a feeling of emptiness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel the gap" is a commonly used expression that describes a subjective experience of recognizing an absence, disparity, or void. Grammatically correct and readily understood, it's most often found in News & Media and academic contexts. While Ludwig AI describes it as referring to "a feeling of emptiness or absence in one's life", it's versatile enough to convey personal experiences of loss or difference. Alternatives like "sense the void" or "perceive the absence" can be used depending on the context. When writing, it's best to use "feel the gap" in narratives or personal accounts, avoiding overly technical or quantitative contexts. As Ludwig examples illustrate, the phrase effectively communicates a personal and emotional understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perceive the absence

Directly points to noticing something is missing.

sense the void

Focuses on the emotional experience of emptiness.

experience the lack

Highlights the personal encounter with deficiency.

be aware of the disparity

Emphasizes consciousness of inequality or imbalance.

realize the inadequacy

Highlights understanding a state of being insufficient.

recognize the difference

Highlights the cognitive act of acknowledging a distinction.

detect the inequality

Stresses the act of discovering an unevenness.

acknowledge the divide

Focuses on accepting the existence of a separation.

notice the shortage

Points to observing a deficiency in quantity.

witness the chasm

Implies observing a large, significant separation.

FAQs

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

You can use "feel the gap" to describe a sense of loss, absence, or disparity. For instance, "After her friend moved away, she could "feel the gap" in her life."

What are some alternatives to "feel the gap"?

Alternatives include "sense the void", "perceive the absence", or "recognize the difference", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "feel the gap" or "notice the gap"?

"Feel the gap" implies an emotional or personal experience of absence, whereas "notice the gap" suggests a more detached, observational awareness. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intended meaning.

Can "feel the gap" be used in formal writing?

While "feel the gap" is grammatically correct, it might be more suitable for informal or narrative contexts. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "acknowledge the disparity" or "recognize the inequality" for a more objective tone.