fill a gap

USAGE SUMMARY

"fill a gap" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when trying to explain the need for something that is missing or incomplete. For example, "The report is missing essential data; we need to fill the gap in order to draw meaningful conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Pirates fill a gap.

The Guardian - Opinion

These 17 shows should fill a gap.

The Guardian - Music

"Hopefully this will fill a gap".

The Guardian

Why was I there, trying to fill a gap?

Independent

This then leaves the mosques to fill a gap.

The Guardian - Opinion

Does it fill a gap in the market?

The Guardian

Temporary talent agencies can fill a gap in a couple of weeks.

The Economist

Will easyFoodstore fill a gap in the market for people struggling in Croydon?

The Guardian - Business

Ms. Desnoës, Mr. de la Caffinière said, sought to fill a gap in Paris.

The New York Times - Arts

The Internet allows companies to fill a gap in investment education, Mr. McCarthy said.

The New York Times

The Backstreet Boys were created to fill a gap in the market.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fill a gap", ensure the context clearly defines what is missing and how it will be completed. This provides clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "fill a gap" when the addition is trivial or doesn't significantly improve the situation. Overstating its importance can weaken your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fill a gap" functions as a verb phrase, often used transitively to describe the act of completing or satisfying something that is missing or incomplete. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used in various contexts, reinforcing its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fill a gap" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe completing or satisfying something that is missing or incomplete. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely applicable across various contexts, from addressing market needs to academic research. Usage patterns indicate a neutral to professional register, making it appropriate for diverse forms of communication. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies the deficiency and the manner in which it is being addressed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cover a need

Directly addresses a requirement or deficiency, often in a practical or logistical sense.

satisfy a requirement

Similar to "cover a need", but often implies a more formal or regulatory obligation.

bridge a divide

Focuses on connecting two separated entities, often used in discussions about disagreements or differences.

meet a demand

Specifically relates to satisfying a market or consumer desire, emphasizing supply and response.

close a void

Emphasizes emptiness or loss, suggesting an emotional or existential need to be fulfilled.

remedy a deficiency

Highlights a specific lack or fault, often in a formal or technical context.

supply a want

Addresses a desire or wish, typically in a commercial or personal context.

plug a hole

A more informal way to describe addressing a specific, often urgent, problem or lack.

complement

Indicates adding something to enhance or complete another thing, emphasizing synergy.

round out

Implies enhancing or completing something to make it more comprehensive or balanced.

FAQs

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

You can use "fill a gap" to describe how something completes or improves an existing situation. For example, "This new product will "fill a gap" in the market".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "fill a gap"?

Alternatives include "cover a need", "meet a demand", or "close a void", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "fill a gap" or "fill in a gap"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "fill a gap" is generally more concise. "Fill in a gap" is also correct and used in certain contexts.

What does it mean to "fill a gap" in research?

In research, to "fill a gap" means to address an area that hasn't been adequately studied or understood, often by conducting new research or analysis.