gaps in

USAGE SUMMARY

"gaps in" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe an area or aspect where something is missing or incomplete. Example: "The report highlighted several gaps in our understanding of the market trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

Terrorists exploit gaps in security.

There are big gaps in their infrastructure.

There were gaps in his teeth.

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Terrorists exploit gaps in security.

The New York Times

Gaps in data.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

There are big gaps in their infrastructure.

The Economist

There remain enormous gaps in its schedule.

The New York Times

There were gaps in his teeth.

The New Yorker

There are occasional gaps in translation.

The New York Times - Food

They fill in gaps in my memory.

Independent

There are gaps in services, unmet needs.

The Guardian

There are significant gaps in his holdings.

The New York Times - Arts

There are gaps in the law.

The New York Times

Gaps in understanding are enormous.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gaps in", ensure that the context clearly defines what is missing or incomplete. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "gaps in" without specifying where the gaps exist. For instance, instead of saying "There are gaps in the system", specify "There are gaps in the security system" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gaps in" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often modifying nouns to indicate areas of deficiency or incompleteness. Ludwig shows examples in various contexts, such as "gaps in security" or "gaps in understanding".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gaps in" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to highlight deficiencies or missing elements across various domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. While suitable for diverse contexts, it's important to specify the domain where the gaps exist for clarity. Alternatives like "deficiencies in" or "shortcomings in" can be used to add variety. The phrase's prevalence in news and media demonstrates its relevance in contemporary communication, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Deficiencies in

Replaces "gaps" with "deficiencies", emphasizing a lack or shortage.

Shortcomings in

Substitutes "gaps" with "shortcomings", highlighting inadequacies or flaws.

Lacks in

Uses "lacks" instead of "gaps", focusing on the absence of something.

Voids in

Replaces "gaps" with "voids", emphasizing emptiness or missing elements.

Omissions in

Substitutes "gaps" with "omissions", highlighting what has been left out.

Lacunae in

A more formal substitute for "gaps", indicating missing parts or sections.

Deficits in

Uses "deficits" instead of "gaps", highlighting a deficiency or inadequacy.

Breaks in

Substitutes "gaps" with "breaks", indicating interruptions or discontinuities.

Discontinuities in

A more formal substitute for "gaps", indicating a lack of continuousness or coherence.

Inconsistencies in

Replaces "gaps" with "inconsistencies", emphasizing a lack of uniformity or agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "gaps in" in a sentence?

The phrase "gaps in" is used to indicate areas where something is missing or incomplete. For example, "The analysis revealed significant "gaps in" the data".

What are some alternatives to "gaps in"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "deficiencies in", "shortcomings in", or "lacks in".

Is it better to say "gaps in knowledge" or "lack of knowledge"?

Both phrases are correct, but "gaps in knowledge" often implies that some knowledge exists but is incomplete, while "lack of knowledge" suggests a complete absence of knowledge.

Which is correct: "gaps in the system" or "gaps within the system"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "gaps in the system" is more common and generally preferred. "Gaps within the system" can be used to emphasize that the gaps are contained or located inside the system.