reduce the gap

USAGE SUMMARY

'reduce the gap' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to narrowing the difference between two things. For example, "Our goal is to reduce the gap between the wealthy and the poor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Faster growth could reduce the gap.

The Economist

We need to try and reduce the gap.

The Guardian - Sport

By improving coverage you can reduce the gap".

The Guardian

"What we'd like to do is reduce the gap between the mission and the memoirs".

The New York Times

"The team worked well again and tried to reduce the gap.

The Guardian - Sport

It must reduce the gap between ordinary families and the soar-away super rich.

The Guardian - Opinion

The price changes will reduce the gap between the two cars by more than half.

The New York Times

They said they expected hard campaigning to reduce the gap with Mr. Hollande within two weeks.

The New York Times

With 15 minutes to go O'Connor converted a penalty to reduce the gap to four.

Independent

This would help to reduce the gap between actual and maximum tariffs.

The Economist

Companies need to reduce the gap between executive and average pay, she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "reduce the gap" in a specific area, clearly define the two elements you are comparing. For instance, "reduce the gap between research and practical application" provides clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "reduce the gap" without specifying what gap you're referring to. Saying "we need to reduce the gap" lacks context and makes your statement less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reduce the gap" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It typically appears as part of a larger clause, expressing an action aimed at diminishing a difference or disparity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reduce the gap" is a commonly used phrase that expresses the intention to diminish a difference or inequality. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. It is frequently employed in news media, scientific discourse, and formal business contexts, reflecting its wide applicability. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly define the gap you're aiming to reduce for maximum impact. Alternatives like "narrow the divide" or "close the disparity" can add nuance depending on the specific context. Avoiding vagueness and being precise with the elements you are comparing will enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lessen the difference

A straightforward and general way to express a decrease in dissimilarity.

close the disparity

Focuses specifically on inequalities or imbalances.

narrow the divide

This alternative suggests a more significant separation or difference is being addressed.

alleviate the inequality

Specifically addresses reducing unfair or unjust differences.

diminish the gulf

Evokes a large separation, suggesting a significant effort is needed to reduce it.

bridge the divide

Implies creating a connection across a separation, often used metaphorically.

shrink the margin

Often used in contexts where a quantifiable difference exists, such as in sports or finance.

minimize the space

This alternative suggests that the distance should be made as small as possible.

ameliorate the imbalance

Suggests improving a situation where things are not in equilibrium.

abridge the separation

Implies shortening the distance between two entities.

FAQs

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

You can use "reduce the gap" in sentences like, "The company aims to "reduce the gap" between customer expectations and product performance" or "Educational reforms are necessary to "reduce the gap" in academic achievement".

What is a good alternative for "reduce the gap"?

Good alternatives for "reduce the gap" include phrases like "narrow the divide", "close the disparity", or "lessen the difference", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "decrease the gap" or "reduce the gap"?

Both "decrease the gap" and ""reduce the gap"" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often comes down to personal preference or the specific tone you wish to convey.

In what contexts is "reduce the gap" commonly used?

"Reduce the gap" is frequently used in discussions about socioeconomic disparities, academic performance, technological advancements, and market demands. It implies an effort to bring two differing entities closer together.