gaps

USAGE SUMMARY

"gaps" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to refer to a hiatus, an open space, or a deficiency. For example: "The project has exposed several gaps in the current energy policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"And I was very open with journalists, so they didn't try to fill in gaps in the story, which meant a platform of mutual respect was established from the outset," Batty will say.

The Guardian

Anthony Steen, who advised on the legislation and chairs the Human Trafficking Foundation, said the bill, which will be debated in parliament on Tuesday for its third reading, had "yawning gaps", and failed to focus on the needs of victims of trafficking in the UK.

The Guardian

Related: Hainan gibbon 'clinging on' with 25 left in China "If they [the gaps] are tens of metres across rather than hundreds of metres, there are different ways of bridging those.

The Guardian

After all the years' work, the narrow gaps that remain and the potentially frightening consequences of failure, no one here can afford a collapse.

The Guardian

"However, what is emerging now is a much more collaborative approach with all stakeholders seeing how they can align their services to fill gaps.

The Guardian

Look at a list of British writers who have appeared on stamps and the gaps are consequently glaring and the number remarkably small – roughly the same as the 27 in the US's literary arts series, produced by a nation with only a 240-year history.

The Guardian - Books

These are just some of the gaps that have been revealed in the inquest so far: vital information about Anderson's mental health and criminal charges weren't always conveyed to Batty by police and child protection, and warrants for his arrest weren't executed for days after they were issued.

The Guardian - Opinion

The issue stirred controversy at the climate summit in Lima, where there were big gaps between the science of climate change and the policy and business responses.

The Guardian

DeMille himself strolls on screen at the beginning of the film, to explain how he has filled the gaps in the Biblical story of Moses's life with the work of historians such as Josephus and Philo.

The Guardian - Film

He stops himself, retraces his steps, leaves long gaps while searching for exactly the right metaphor.

The Guardian - Music

In 2010, Gove pushed through the Academies Bill in less than a week while Labour was diverted by their election loss It is, however, a manifesto with big gaps.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gaps", ensure the context is clear. Specify what the gaps are between or within for better understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "gaps" vaguely. Instead of saying "There are gaps in the data", specify what data is missing or incomplete for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The noun "gaps" primarily functions to denote absences, deficiencies, or intervals within a given context. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse scenarios, ranging from "gaps in the story" to "gaps in services".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "gaps" is a versatile noun that signifies deficiencies, intervals, or missing elements. As analyzed by Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, including News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science, making it a common term in both written and spoken English. While grammatically correct, it's important to provide specific context when using "gaps" to ensure clarity. Alternatives such as "shortcomings" or "deficiencies" may be more appropriate depending on the intended meaning. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shortcomings

Focuses on the inadequacies or faults within something.

deficiencies

Highlights a lack or absence of necessary elements.

lacunae

More formal term referring to missing parts or deficiencies in a text or argument.

omissions

Highlights the act of leaving something out or excluding it.

breaks

Implies interruptions or pauses in a continuous sequence.

discontinuities

Focuses on the lack of smooth transitions or connections.

intervals

Emphasizes the spaces or periods between events or objects.

hiatuses

Formal term indicating a pause or break in a sequence.

voids

Suggests empty or unfilled spaces.

breaches

Refers to a violation or breaking of a rule or agreement, often creating a space or gap.

FAQs

How can "gaps" be used in a sentence?

"Gaps" can refer to missing information, physical spaces, or discrepancies, as in, "The research identified significant gaps in our understanding of the issue."

What are some alternatives to "gaps"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "shortcomings", "deficiencies", or "intervals".

Is it correct to use "gaps" in formal writing?

Yes, "gaps" is appropriate for formal writing, but consider more precise terms like "lacunae" or "omissions" for enhanced clarity.

What's the difference between "gaps" and "discrepancies"?

"Gaps" usually refer to missing elements or spaces, while "discrepancies" indicate inconsistencies or contradictions between different pieces of information.