spanning the gap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spanning the gap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of connecting or bridging two different points, ideas, or situations. Example: "The new policy is aimed at spanning the gap between management and employees to improve communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The results are interpreted in terms of the field-induced formation of thick fibrillar aggregates spanning the gap between the electrodes, each consisting of bundles of particle strings.

Polymer

A transitional period spanning the gap between the Late Erligang phase of Middle Shang and the Yinxu phase of Late Shang indicates a widespread network of Shang cultural sites that were linked by uniform bronze-casting styles and mortuary practices.

Britannica

Spanning the gap between planets and full-fledged stars, brown dwarfs are so dim they can only be seen when they are in our own neighborhood of the galaxy.

Princeton University

Its two heterodimeric subcomplexes, each with a globular end and a coiled-coil shaft, connect end-to-end to create a ∼600 Å long rod spanning the gap from centromere-proximal structures to spindle microtubules.

Cell Reports

This droplet is dispensed by means of a step-motor driven syringe pump through a specially designed electrode holder spanning the gap between a micro-working electrode and a macroscopic counter electrode.

Biosensors and Bioelectronics

Despite the white blaring sun, people do not really wear sunglasses, and sewage flows in an open aqueduct-looking stream below the level of the street, with little three or four foot wide bridges spanning the gap of maybe six feet for people to cross from the street to the little alleys.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The recombination substrates consist of (i) recipient DNA, pSV2neo with gaps or deletions ranging from 70 to 390 bp in the neo sequence, and (ii) donor DNAs with either complete homology to the recipient (pSV2neo) or plasmids whose homology with pSV2neo is limited to a 1.0- to 1.3-kbp neo segment spanning the gaps or deletions.

Stanford University

Autofinish [ 42] was used to design primers for improving regions of low quality sequence and for primer walking along templates spanning the gaps between contigs.

BMC Genomics

Our algorithm models a sequence of fluorescent log-ratios, and the only information about the sequence taken into account by the model is the distance between the probes (for the purpose of spanning the gaps).

Bioinformatics

Large insert clones spanning the gaps in scaffolds from the version 3 assembly were identified by BLAST searches against the BAC/cosmid database in the v.3.0 JGI website [ 37].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

If one pier fails, the bridge is designed for adjacent arches to span the gap without collapse.

Engineering Geology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spanning the gap", ensure the context clearly identifies both entities being connected to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The research aims at "spanning the gap" between theoretical physics and practical engineering."

Common error

Avoid using "spanning the gap" when a simpler connection or relationship is being described. The phrase implies a significant divide is being bridged, so it's inappropriate for minor links. Instead, opt for words such as "linking" or "connecting".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "spanning the gap" is that of a verbal phrase, often functioning as part of a predicate. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts to describe the action of connecting or bridging two distinct elements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "spanning the gap" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes connecting or bridging distinct entities. Ludwig AI indicates that it is commonly used in scientific, news, and academic contexts. While not overly frequent, the phrase effectively conveys the idea of overcoming a divide or disparity. Related phrases such as "bridging the divide" and "closing the gap" offer similar meanings but with slight differences in emphasis. When using "spanning the gap", ensure clarity in identifying the elements being connected and avoid overuse in situations where a simpler connection is being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bridging the divide

Emphasizes overcoming a separation or disagreement.

closing the gap

Highlights reducing a difference or disparity.

building a bridge

Emphasizes the creation of a pathway for communication or understanding.

linking the divide

Emphasizes joining or connecting two separate entities

connecting the dots

Focuses on understanding the relationship between seemingly unrelated things.

reconciling differences

Specifically refers to resolving conflicts or disagreements.

harmonizing disparities

Implies creating a pleasing or balanced relationship between unequal things.

mediating the space

Suggests acting as an intermediary to fill a void.

forging a connection

Highlights the creation of a new link or relationship.

traversing the distance

Highlights overcoming the obstacle between two positions.

FAQs

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

Use "spanning the gap" to describe something that connects two distinct entities or ideas, like "This technology is "spanning the gap" between virtual reality and real-world applications".

What phrases are similar to "spanning the gap"?

Alternatives include "bridging the divide", "closing the gap", or "building a bridge", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "spanning the gap"?

It's appropriate when something significantly connects two separate things, such as "This project is "spanning the gap" between research and practical implementation".

Is there a difference between "spanning the gap" and "bridging the gap"?

While similar, "spanning the gap" emphasizes the extent or reach of the connection, whereas "bridging the gap" focuses more on overcoming the obstacle separating the entities.