leaving a gap

USAGE SUMMARY

This phrase is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to express something that is missing in a situation or conversation. For example, "The speaker left a gap in her presentation when she failed to explain the specifics of the plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The report shows Medicare coverage is already leaving a gap.

The Washington Post

In addition, older Cambodians often don't share their experiences, leaving a gap in knowledge.

Harvard University

But she said no more, leaving a gap of silence that seemed to trouble Stephens.

The New York Times - Sports

The telling moment is Eminem leaving a gap for Dre's ad lib, and he's not there.

The Guardian - Music

Top off with 10cms of sawdust, ideally leaving a gap about 15cm from the lid.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Fill each with about 2 tbsp of the apple mixture, leaving a gap at the edges.

The Guardian

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) could alleviate the postsurgical adhesion formation with still leaving a gap between the sheet and the dura.

The Spine Journal

But the agency probably would not have jurisdiction over products unless they already were regulated -- potentially leaving a gap.

The New York Times

Taking antibiotics creates "selective pressure" where sensitive bacteria are killed leaving a gap in which any resistant bacteria can flourish.

The Guardian - Opinion

The union has offered to accept a reduction of $2.5 million, leaving a gap of $700,000.

The New York Times - Sports

The loggia is unroofed, so that the facade recedes unexpectedly at the top floor, leaving a gap tooth in the row.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "leaving a gap", ensure the context clearly indicates what is missing and the impact of that absence. For example, specify whether it's a skills gap, a knowledge gap, or a financial shortfall.

Common error

Avoid using "leaving a gap" without specifying what exactly is being left out. Be precise: instead of just saying "the project left a gap", clarify with "the project left a gap in funding" or "the project left a gap in skilled personnel".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leaving a gap" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle phrase, often used to describe the action of creating an absence or deficiency. Ludwig AI highlights its use across varied domains, describing instances from financial shortfalls to conceptual omissions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "leaving a gap" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the creation of an absence or deficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and wiki sources. It's a very common phrase, characterized by a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal settings. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what exactly is being left out. Alternatives such as "leaving a void" or "resulting in a deficit" offer subtle variations in meaning, allowing for greater precision in expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leaving a void

Focuses on the feeling of emptiness or loss created by the absence.

creating a space

Emphasizes the action of making room or opportunity.

resulting in a deficit

Highlights the negative consequence of a shortage.

generating a shortfall

Similar to deficit, but often used in financial contexts.

causing an absence

Directly states the creation of a state of being away.

opening a breach

Implies a break or violation of something.

producing a deficiency

Formal and emphasizes a lack of something essential.

leaving a deficiency

Directly describes the action of omitting something.

fostering a disconnection

Highlights a lack of connection or relationship.

establishing a divide

Focuses on the creation of separation between things.

FAQs

How can I use "leaving a gap" in a sentence?

You can use "leaving a gap" to describe something that is missing or incomplete. For instance, "The company's new policy is "leaving a gap" in employee benefits".

What's the difference between "leaving a gap" and "leaving a void"?

"Leaving a gap" typically refers to a tangible absence or deficiency, such as in resources or knowledge. "Leaving a void" suggests a more emotional or existential absence. Depending on the context, you might use "leaving a void" to describe a loss or emptiness.

Are there formal alternatives to "leaving a gap"?

Yes, in more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "resulting in a deficit" or "producing a deficiency". These alternatives emphasize the resulting negative outcome of the absence rather than just the absence itself.

What words usually follow "leaving a gap"?

Common words that follow "leaving a gap" include prepositions like "in" (e.g., "leaving a gap in the market") or nouns describing what's missing (e.g., "leaving a gap in funding", "leaving a gap in knowledge").