quite a gap

USAGE SUMMARY

"quite a gap" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a significant difference or distance between two things. Here's an example: "After the company's recent layoffs, there was quite a gap between the number of employees in the sales department and the marketing department."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

That's quite a gap.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, it is quite a gap to bridge".

The Guardian

There was then quite a gap to GM at 10 14.

The Guardian

"There was quite a gap between About a Boy and my role in Skins, and that was important for me.

The Guardian

It is quite a gap to make up, and there have been times, Alphonsi admits, when she has wondered what she is doing.

The Guardian - Sport

There can be quite a gap among the deals being offered, as was shown by a test using a hypothetical four-day mid-May trip from New York to San Francisco, booked two weeks ahead.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

In the Activity domain, a hierarchical structure was shown as expected, whereas there were quite a few gaps shown, especially the gap between A_c1 and A_c2 as well as A_g5 and A_c7 (Fig.  2).

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

That's quite a substantial gap.

The Guardian

At the bottom of their gate there's quite a big gap.

The Guardian

"We have had quite a big gap since the one-dayers and had enough time to prepare mentally.

The Guardian - Sport

There's then quite a large gap to…the FIA Formula One World Championship, NFL Super Bowl and the IOC Winter Olympics".So where does cricket fit in?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "quite a gap", be mindful of the context; it is suitable for both formal and informal settings, adding a touch of understatement to highlight the significance of the difference.

Common error

Avoid using "quite a gap" excessively in your writing. While effective, overuse can dilute its impact. Opt for synonyms like "considerable difference" or "significant disparity" to maintain variety and reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite a gap" functions as a qualifier, emphasizing the size or significance of a difference or interval. Ludwig AI highlights its usage across varied contexts, illustrating its flexibility in denoting notable distinctions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite a gap" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize a significant difference or separation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, it's advisable to consider more precise alternatives in highly formal contexts. When using "quite a gap", ensure it aligns with the intended tone and context, avoiding overuse for maximum impact. Consider alternatives like "considerable difference" or "significant disparity" to enhance variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable difference

Focuses on the magnitude of the difference.

significant disparity

Emphasizes the inequality or imbalance.

substantial interval

Highlights the separation in time or space.

marked distinction

Stresses the clarity and noticeability of the difference.

notable contrast

Focuses on the comparison and dissimilarity.

wide divergence

Highlights the act of moving in different directions.

appreciable space

Emphasizes the physical distance or area.

major gulf

Suggests a large and unbridgeable separation.

clear division

Stresses the defined separation between two things.

pronounced separation

Emphasizes how obvious and distinct the separation is.

FAQs

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

Use "quite a gap" to highlight a noticeable difference or separation between two things. For example: "There's "quite a gap" between the estimated cost and the final expense."

What are some alternatives to "quite a gap"?

Alternatives include "considerable difference", "significant disparity", or "marked distinction". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "quite a gap" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "quite a gap" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, in highly formal contexts, consider using a more precise term like "substantial divergence".

What does "quite" emphasize in "quite a gap"?

The word "quite" intensifies the meaning of "a gap", indicating that the difference or separation is significant and noticeable. It adds a degree of emphasis without being overly dramatic.