gap in the record

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gap in the record" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a missing piece of information or an incomplete part of a documented history or account. Example: "The investigation revealed a significant gap in the record regarding the events leading up to the incident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Ever since then, Mexican churchmen have been trying fill this gap in the record.

The New York Times

The difficulty comes when all must confess that Kath is herself a gap in the record.

The New York Times - Books

Donald Keene attempts to address this gap in the record -- to find Emperor Meiji," as he puts it.

The New York Times - Books

A yawning gap in the record follows, until the fifth millennium BC, when horizon-marking megaliths appeared, erected to track or echo the passage of the sun through the sky.

Independent

Doping was rife before the sport beefed up its enforcement efforts in recent years, and leaving a gap in the record books will only reinforce the stain on cycling's reputation.

The Economist

Historical novelists speak of looking for a gap in the record of their subjects' lives, a space bounded by fact but with plenty of room for fictional maneuvering, to serve as an entry point for an imagined narrative.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

There is a gap in the records from May 4, 1861 until January 2 , 1864 indicating perhaps the effects the war had on those at home.

Cornell University

Though the Labour-run council claims to have solved the mismanagement issues which led to the chaos, the most recent gap in the records is dated January this year.

The Guardian - Opinion

Kimbrough disputes his claim, noting that there is no one-year gap in the records of Hensley moving or actively ministering.

Wikipedia

The amplifier gain was adjusted during the gap in the recording in (E ).

eLife

Wars and civil conflict have also left large gaps in the record.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gap in the record", ensure you clarify what specific record you are referring to (e.g., "gap in the historical record", "gap in the financial record") to provide context.

Common error

Avoid using "gap in the record" without specifying the type or context of the record. For example, instead of saying "there's a gap in the record", specify "there's a gap in the company's financial records" to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gap in the record" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a deficiency or absence of information within a set of documented data. As Ludwig AI shows, the expression is used both in formal and informal sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gap in the record" is a noun phrase used to describe missing information within a documented source. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and shows it appears most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academia contexts. To improve clarity, specify the type of record when using the phrase. Alternatives include "missing information" and "lack of documentation". Be careful about overgeneralizing the phrase. Always specify which "record" has a gap. By following these guidelines, you can effectively communicate the presence of informational deficiencies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

missing information

Focuses directly on the absence of data, omitting the formal "record" aspect.

lack of documentation

Highlights the absence of official paperwork or recorded evidence.

incomplete data

Emphasizes the state of the data being unfinished or deficient.

omission in the details

Draws attention to something left out within a larger set of details.

void in the account

Implies a blank space or emptiness within a narrative or report.

lapse in historical data

Specific to historical contexts, suggesting a break or interruption in available information.

deficiency in reporting

Highlights an inadequacy in the process of conveying information.

lacuna in the chronicle

A more formal and literary way to describe a gap in a historical record.

hiatus in the proceedings

Suggests an interruption or break in a series of events or official actions.

absence from the log

Directly points out something missing from an official log or register.

FAQs

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

You can use "gap in the record" to indicate missing information or an incomplete part of a documented history or account. For example: "The investigation revealed a significant "gap in the record" regarding the events leading up to the incident."

What's a more formal way to say "gap in the record"?

A more formal alternative to "gap in the record" could be "lacuna in the chronicle", especially when referring to historical documents.

What can I say instead of "gap in the record"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "missing information", "lack of documentation", or "incomplete data".

When is it appropriate to use "gap in the record"?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight that there's a missing part or absence of information within official or documented accounts, whether historical, financial, or otherwise.