gap out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gap out" is not standard in written English and may not be widely understood.
It could be used informally to describe a situation where someone loses focus or becomes distracted, but clarity may be lacking. Example: "During the meeting, I completely gapped out and missed the important points being discussed."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Revitalised, Mellor's second – a fine piece of individual skill as the young half-back stepped off his left foot and weaved over the line – pushed the gap out to eight, which always felt vital in a game of such importance.

The Guardian

Scientific researchers have found a widening "emissions gap" out to 2050 that demonstrates voluntary measures are insufficient to reduce aviation emissions so that global warming can be kept below 2 degrees Celsius over the next century.

Huffington Post

This means the power firms will have to wait longer to get paid, and will have to plug the gap out of their own pockets until then.What can be done?

The Economist

That brought the gap out to 7.4sec and showed who was boss, and even though Grosjean got a little closer by the end, it was clear all along who was controlling things.

Independent

There was a National Academies report [co-authored by Dr.Chu in 2005] called the Gathering Storm, and they felt that there's this gap out there, that we're being too incremental, and we need an ARPA-E to take the quantum leaps in technology, just as Darpa did for defense and information.

The New York Times

Tending to read Scripture, you know, allegorically, I have always wondered why God couldn't just usher the Israelites out of Egypt while leaving their captors, foiled, on the opposite shore, like bad guys in "The Dukes of Hazzard" watching the General Lee land on the other side of an impressively huge gap, out of reach.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

When any wave fits through a gap it will spread out a bit.

TechCrunch

Before applying the glue, test fit all the pieces together and inspect all joints for gaps, out-of-square edges and alignment problems.

The New York Times

The Gap moved out, and the Dollar Store moved in.

The Washington Post

The income gap plays out in other ways for students, too.

The New York Times

The gap went out to 15sec before the chasers finally regained touch.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gap out", ensure the context is clear and the intended meaning is easily understood by your audience. Consider whether a more precise alternative might be more effective.

Common error

Avoid using "gap out" in formal or professional writing where a more precise and professional term would be more suitable. For example, use "widen the gap" or "increase the lead" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gap out" functions as a phrasal verb in most contexts, typically meaning to increase a lead or advantage, or to identify an area of deficiency. While Ludwig shows usage across various sources, it is essential to consider the specific meaning intended.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gap out" is an informal expression with multiple potential meanings, ranging from increasing a lead to identifying a deficiency. While it appears across various sources, its casual nature may make it unsuitable for formal writing. As Ludwig AI indicates, clarity in context is crucial, and more precise alternatives may be preferable in professional settings. While commonly seen in News & Media, it is less common in academic or business contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widen the gap

Focuses specifically on increasing the distance or difference.

extend the lead

Emphasizes increasing an advantage in a competition or race.

expand the margin

Highlights the growth of a buffer or safety zone.

increase the separation

Broadly refers to making the distance between two things greater.

close the divide

Indicates an attempt to reduce or eliminate a difference or disagreement.

bridge the gap

Implies connecting or reconciling two disparate entities or ideas.

make up the difference

Addresses compensating for a deficiency or shortfall.

fill the void

Focuses on satisfying a need or absence.

overcome the disparity

Emphasizes surmounting an inequality or imbalance.

iron out the differences

Implies resolving minor disagreements or inconsistencies.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "gap out" in a sentence?

The phrase "gap out" is often used informally to describe increasing a lead, identifying a void, or failing to focus. Example: "The runner managed to "gap out" from the competition".

What does "gap out" mean?

While not formally defined, "gap out" generally implies creating or identifying a notable difference or opening. Depending on context it can mean creating separation, identifying unmet needs, or zoning out.

What can I say instead of "gap out"?

Alternatives include "widen the gap", "extend the lead", or "fill the void" depending on the specific context.

Is "gap out" appropriate for formal writing?

Given its informal nature, "gap out" may not be suitable for academic papers or professional reports. Consider more precise terms such as "increase the separation" or "bridge the gap".