fill the gap

USAGE SUMMARY

"fill the gap" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It generally means to complete an incomplete task or fill in a missing piece. For example, "I need to fill the gap between the two pieces of wood before it dries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Matatus fill the gap.

The New York Times

Only public money can fill the gap.

The Economist

Otherwise it will always fill the gap.

Independent

Extra borrowing will mostly fill the gap.

The Economist

Pilotless drones can help fill the gap.

The Economist

Ideally, the opposition would fill the gap.

The Economist

This leaves governments to fill the gap.

The New York Times

(Maybe Canada will fill the gap).

The New York Times

"We'll never fill the gap," he said.

The New York Times

Other agencies try to fill the gap.

The Guardian

Everybody is racing to fill the gap.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fill the gap", ensure the context clearly defines what the 'gap' represents. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "fill the gap" without specifying the nature of the gap. Saying 'We need to fill the gap' is less effective than stating 'We need to fill the gap in funding for the project'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fill the gap" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of completing something that is incomplete or addressing a deficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fill the gap" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression that means to complete an incomplete task or provide what is lacking. Ludwig shows it appears most frequently in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When using "fill the gap", clarity is key; specify the nature of the 'gap' to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like ""address the deficiency"" or ""compensate for the absence"" for more formal settings. As per Ludwig AI, its versatility and clear meaning make it a valuable addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supply the need

Highlights providing what is required or necessary.

address the deficiency

Directly points out resolving an inadequacy or weakness.

remedy the shortage

Stresses correcting a scarcity or insufficient supply.

compensate for the absence

Focuses on making up for something that is missing.

make up the difference

Highlights compensating for a deficiency, emphasizing quantity or amount.

cover the shortfall

Emphasizes addressing a lack of resources or funds.

satisfy the demand

Centers on meeting an expressed requirement or desire.

bridge the divide

Focuses on overcoming a separation or disagreement, rather than completing something incomplete.

close the breach

Suggests mending a break or violation, often in a security or trust context.

plug the hole

A more informal way of describing fixing a problem or covering a deficit.

FAQs

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

You can use "fill the gap" to describe completing something incomplete or providing what is lacking. For example, 'Volunteers helped to fill the gap in services after the budget cuts'.

What is a more formal way to say "fill the gap"?

More formal alternatives to "fill the gap" include "address the deficiency", "compensate for the absence", or "remedy the shortage", depending on the specific context.

Is "fill the gap" appropriate for business writing?

Yes, "fill the gap" is suitable for business writing, but it's important to ensure the context is clear. It is acceptable to use this phrase in reports, presentations, and emails.

What's the difference between "fill the gap" and "bridge the divide"?

"Fill the gap" typically refers to completing something that is lacking or providing a missing element. "Bridge the divide", on the other hand, suggests overcoming a separation or disagreement between groups or ideas.