narrowing the gap

USAGE SUMMARY

"narrowing the gap" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts discussing reducing differences or disparities, such as in economics, education, or social issues. For example: "The new policy aims at narrowing the gap between rich and poor communities." Alternative expressions include "closing the gap" and "bridging the gap."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Narrowing the Gap funding program was established in 2015 to support projects aimed at narrowing the gap between teaching and research at Berkeley.

University of California, Berkeley

"They are narrowing the gap".

The New York Times

"We're not narrowing the gap.

The Guardian - Opinion

Narrowing the gap between rich and poor?

The Guardian - Opinion

"And how well we're narrowing the gap for disadvantaged pupils.

The Guardian

Asia, though still far behind, is narrowing the gap.

The Economist

But ideas for narrowing the gap have been scarce.

The Economist

That does not necessarily mean that preschools did not play a role in narrowing the gap.

Stanford University

"That's what you need to see if you're going to begin narrowing the gap".

The New York Times

Lately, "Good Morning America" has been narrowing the gap between the two shows.

The New Yorker

Palace have certainly stood up this half, narrowing the gap between their midfield and forwards.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "narrowing the gap", ensure the context clearly identifies what specific gap is being addressed (e.g., income inequality, achievement disparity).

Common error

Avoid using "narrowing the gap" without specifying the entities or groups between which the gap exists. Be specific to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "narrowing the gap" functions as a verbal phrase typically used as part of a larger clause to describe an ongoing process of reducing a difference or disparity. It can also function as a gerund. Ludwig AI's examples showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "narrowing the gap" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that effectively communicates the reduction of disparities across various domains. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, ensuring clarity by specifying the nature of the gap is crucial. Alternatives such as "reducing the disparity" or "bridging the divide" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Understanding its function and purpose will allow for more precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Lessening the difference

Directly refers to making something less distinct or pronounced.

Reducing the disparity

Focuses on the act of lessening inequality.

Mitigating the inequality

Addresses efforts to reduce the severity of unequal conditions.

Alleviating the imbalance

Centers on relieving or making an imbalance more bearable.

Bridging the divide

Emphasizes connecting two separate entities or groups.

Closing the divide

Highlights the act of eliminating or nearly eliminating a separation.

Shrinking the chasm

Uses the metaphor of a wide gap to emphasize reduction.

Diminishing the space

Focuses on the amount of separation that is decreasing.

Bringing closer together

Highlights the act of making things more similar or aligned.

Leveling the playing field

Emphasizes fairness and equal opportunity.

FAQs

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

You can use "narrowing the gap" to describe efforts to reduce differences, such as in "The company is focusing on narrowing the gap in gender pay" or "Educational reforms are aimed at narrowing the gap between disadvantaged students and their peers".

What are some alternatives to "narrowing the gap"?

Alternatives include "reducing the disparity", "bridging the divide", or "closing the divide", each with a slightly different emphasis.

Is it better to say "narrowing the gap" or "closing the gap"?

Both "narrowing the gap" and "closing the gap" are acceptable, but "narrowing the gap" implies a reduction in difference, while "closing the gap" suggests a complete elimination of the difference. The best choice depends on the context and the degree of change being described.

What's the difference between "narrowing the gap" and "reducing inequality"?

"Narrowing the gap" is a more general phrase that can apply to any kind of difference or disparity, while "reducing inequality" specifically refers to reducing disparities in resources, opportunities, or status.