left a gaping

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left a gaping" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a significant or noticeable gap, often in a metaphorical sense, such as an emotional void or a physical opening. Example: "The sudden departure of the team leader left a gaping hole in our project, making it difficult to move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

It left a gaping hole.

The New York Times

His passing has left a gaping hole.

The New York Times

His passing has left a gaping hole in our hearts.

The New York Times

It has left a gaping hole in our back four.

The Guardian - Sport

That left a gaping hole for me to run through".

The New York Times - Sports

But it left a gaping vacuum at the heart of national politics.

Independent

The craven departure of M&S in December 2001 left a gaping hole in the market.

Independent

He left a gaping hole in the lane and Kentucky took advantage.

The New York Times - Sports

His incendiary demise left a gaping hole in domestic French politics.

The Guardian

His departure would have left a gaping hole in their rotation and could have enhanced a rival's pitching staff.

The New York Times - Sports

That has left a gaping narrative hole in the show that has at times seemed impossible to plug.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "left a gaping" to emphasize a significant absence or void, whether physical or metaphorical. This phrase is particularly effective when highlighting the impact of something being removed or lost.

Common error

While "left a gaping" is acceptable in news and general writing, consider more formal alternatives like "created a significant void" or "resulted in a substantial deficiency" in academic or professional contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left a gaping" functions as a verb phrase complement, typically modifying a noun to describe a significant absence or void. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts to emphasize the impact of something missing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "left a gaping" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a significant absence or void, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media, this phrase effectively emphasizes the impact of something missing, whether physically or metaphorically. When writing, consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings. By understanding its function, purpose, and common errors, you can confidently use "left a gaping" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

created a large void

Focuses on the creation of emptiness, rather than the action of leaving.

left a considerable vacuum

Uses "vacuum" to convey a sense of absence and potential for something to fill it.

produced a significant gap

Highlights the gap as a result, changing the focus from the leaving action.

resulted in a substantial hole

Shifts the focus to the consequence, the substantial hole created.

opened a wide space

Emphasizes the spatial dimension of the opening, more literal than metaphorical.

made a large opening

A more literal alternative, focusing on the act of creating an opening.

caused a noticeable absence

Focuses on the missing element, highlighting the impact of the absence.

generated a considerable emptiness

Emphasizes the feeling of emptiness rather than the physical gap.

uncovered a vast chasm

Implies a deep and significant division or separation.

introduced a major deficiency

Highlights the lack of something essential, focusing on the negative impact.

FAQs

How can I use "left a gaping" in a sentence?

You can use "left a gaping" to describe a significant absence or void, like in the sentence, "The departure of the CEO "left a gaping" hole in the company's leadership."

What can I say instead of "left a gaping"?

You can use alternatives like "created a large void", "resulted in a substantial hole", or "caused a noticeable absence" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "left a gaping hole" or "created a gaping hole"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "left a gaping hole" implies a removal or departure that caused the hole, while "created a gaping hole" suggests the hole was actively formed.

What's the difference between "left a gaping hole" and "left a small hole"?

"Left a gaping hole" emphasizes the significance and impact of the absence, while "left a small hole" suggests a minor or inconsequential void.