mind the gap

USAGE SUMMARY

"mind the gap" is correct and usable in written English.
Generally, it is used in the literal sense when referring to the gap between a train platform and the train itself, as to warn people to be careful when disembarking or boarding the train. It can also be used figuratively to call attention to a notable difference, such as in the example sentence, "When it comes to knowledge of digital marketing, there is a sizable gap between the old and the young—mind the gap."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mind the gap indeed.

The New York Times - Books

4.13am GMT Mind the Gap.

The Guardian

I really do mind the gap.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

and regency France in Mind the Gap.

The Guardian - Music

Mind the Gap: How Open Were European Primeval Forests?

The Guardian

Nordmann A and Rip A (2009) Mind the gap revisited.

Nature

What can colleges and universities do to mind the gap?

Harvard Business Review

Don't Mind the Gap: Bridging Network-wide Objectives and Device-level Configurations.

Princeton University

Still, LBS's ranking brought to mind an interesting comment on "Mind the Gap".

The Economist

Luckily, some survived to be able to put up a "Mind the Gap" sign.

Independent

Mind the Gap searches for them through schools, counselors and other networks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mind the gap" to add a touch of British English to your writing, especially when you want to evoke a sense of familiarity or humor.

Common error

Avoid using "mind the gap" excessively or inappropriately in contexts where it doesn't naturally fit. Overusing it, particularly in formal writing, can make your writing seem contrived or out of place. Use it judiciously to maintain clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mind the gap" functions primarily as a warning or a directive. Ludwig examples show its use in alerting individuals to potential hazards or discrepancies. It calls for awareness and caution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

22%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

1%

News & Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mind the gap" is a phrase with origins as a warning on the London Underground, but it has evolved into a versatile expression used to highlight awareness of differences or disparities. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English and is commonly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using "mind the gap", be mindful of your audience and context, as overusing it or using it inappropriately can diminish its impact. Consider alternatives like "be aware of the difference" or "pay attention to the disparity" for more formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be aware of the difference

Focuses on being conscious of a discrepancy rather than a specific warning.

pay attention to the disparity

Highlights the act of noticing a significant difference.

beware of the separation

Emphasizes caution regarding a division or space.

take note of the space

Directs attention to a physical or metaphorical space.

be cautious of the divide

Implies carefulness regarding a distinction or separation.

bridge the divide

Suggests closing a gap or difference, rather than just being mindful of it.

address the inequality

Specifically targets the act of resolving imbalances.

resolve the discrepancy

Focuses on fixing the inconsistencies.

close the breach

Highlights the act of mending or fixing a gap.

recognize the distinction

Implies understanding or acknowledgement of the differences.

FAQs

How can I use "mind the gap" in a sentence?

You can use "mind the gap" literally, as a warning on public transportation, or figuratively to highlight a significant difference or disparity. For example, "When it comes to knowledge of digital marketing, there is a sizable gap between the old and the young—mind the gap."

What are some alternatives to "mind the gap"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "be aware of the difference", "pay attention to the disparity", or "take note of the space".

Is it appropriate to use "mind the gap" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "mind the gap" can be perceived as informal or colloquial. It's best to reserve it for contexts where a touch of casualness or British English is appropriate. In strictly formal writing, consider using more direct and explicit phrasing.

What does "mind the gap" mean literally?

Literally, "mind the gap" is a warning used on the London Underground to alert passengers to the space between the train and the platform. Figuratively, it means to be aware of and consider a difference or disparity.