gap

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "gap" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the space between two or more things, or to describe an abstraction such as a lack of knowledge or understanding. For example, "There is a noticeable gap in her understanding of the concept."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Eighty per cent of the GCSE attainment gap is present by age seven.

The Guardian

In recent years, the gap between rich and poor in Kazakhstan has widened, heightening social tensions.

The Guardian

The gap between rich and poor has continued to widen.

The Economist

Forte agreed with Arquette "100%" but said it was difficult to quantify the pay gap, or to know whether fault lay with female actors or agents for not pushing hard enough, or with executives for resisting equal pay.

The Guardian - Film

Take the National Children's Bureau finding that the gap in potential between children from middle- and low-income families is already evident among babies of 22 months.

The Guardian - Opinion

The gap, though, was not large: Labour have 83 target seats at stake with Ukip as a complicating factor.

The Guardian

TNS, which is regarded as more cautious than other pollsters, said its findings suggested the gap between the SNP and Scottish Labour is much narrower than the 20-point lead given to the nationalists in a spate of other recent polls, but that it was still gloomy news for the Scottish Labour leader, Jim Murphy.

The Guardian

The Turkish government, meanwhile, has enraged Greeks by pledging to step up exports to Russia to fill the gap.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's the ugly side of the wealth gap in action.

The Guardian - Money

Whenever the topic of the vast – and constantly expanding – wealth gap comes up for debate, it seems as if someone is always itching for the opportunity to resurrect those words, culminating in Fitzgerald's observation that the wealthy "think, deep in their hearts, that they are better than we are".

The Guardian - Money

9am: walk Lake St Clair After getting the lie of the larder and spotting a gap in the angry-looking clouds, we attempt to interact with nature rather than just gawping at its beauty.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gap", be specific about what two things the "gap" exists between to provide clarity and context for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "gap" interchangeably with words like "breach" or "rift" without considering the specific nuance each term conveys. "Gap" often denotes a neutral separation, while "breach" and "rift" usually imply a negative break or conflict.

Linguistic Context

The word "gap" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a space, opening, or difference between two points. It can also function as a verb, but this usage is less common. Ludwig provides examples of "gap" used in various contexts, from literal spaces to abstract differences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "gap" is a versatile term, primarily functioning as a noun to describe a space, difference, or deficiency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It commonly appears in contexts such as news reporting, business discussions, and scientific analyses. The phrase is generally neutral in register, suitable for a wide range of communication scenarios. When using "gap", clarity is enhanced by specifying what the "gap" exists between. While alternatives like "discrepancy" or "shortfall" exist, they carry subtly different nuances. Ensure your word choice aligns with the intended meaning to achieve precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discrepancy

Indicates a difference or inconsistency, often implying a lack of alignment where alignment is expected.

disparity

Highlights an inequality or difference, especially one that is unfair.

shortfall

Refers specifically to a deficiency in something, often financial or quantitative.

lacuna

Denotes a blank space or a missing part, often in a text or argument.

hiatus

Indicates a pause or break in continuity, often in time or activity.

breach

Implies a violation or breaking of a rule, agreement, or relationship.

split

Indicates a division or separation into distinct parts.

rift

Suggests a serious break in friendly relations.

chasm

Refers to a deep fissure or difference that seems impossible to bridge.

cleavage

Describes a division or split, often in opinions or beliefs.

FAQs

How can I use "gap" in a sentence?

You can use "gap" to describe a space, difference, or absence. For example, "There's a significant gap between the rich and the poor", or "She has a gap in her knowledge of history".

What are some synonyms for "gap"?

Depending on the context, you could use synonyms like "discrepancy", "disparity", "shortfall", or "lacuna".

What's the difference between "gap" and "breach"?

"Gap" generally refers to a space or difference, while "breach" implies a violation or breaking of something. For example, a "gap" in understanding versus a "breach" of security.

Which is correct: "fill the gap" or "bridge the gap"?

Both "fill the gap" and "bridge the gap" are correct, but they imply slightly different approaches. "Fill the gap" suggests directly addressing a deficiency, while "bridge the gap" suggests connecting two separate entities or ideas.