yawning gap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'yawning gap' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a broad, obvious difference or distinction between two things. For example: "There is a yawning gap between the wealthy and the poor in this country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's also a yawning gap, a cavernous absence.

Independent

But the yawning gap he once had is narrowing.

The New York Times

I was unaware of a yawning gap between the two.

The New Yorker

His absence from television has left a yawning gap".

Independent

I have blogged before about this yawning gap.

The Economist

The yawning gap between work and home can be welcome.

The New York Times

The yawning gap between the two lines is immediately obvious.

The Washington Post

Alexander, 41, said he was aware of the yawning gap between rich and poor.

The Guardian

But Dr Bero's study found a yawning gap between the two.

The Economist

As in Darwin's list, there's a yawning gap between the ancients and the moderns.

The New York Times - Books

Someone had to seriously open a debate about the yawning gap of inequality in this country".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "yawning gap" to vividly describe a significant and easily noticeable difference between two things, whether in data, opinions, or physical spaces.

Common error

While effective, "yawning gap" can sometimes sound informal. In highly formal or academic writing, consider using alternatives like "significant disparity" or "substantial difference" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "yawning gap" functions as a noun phrase where "yawning" modifies "gap", emphasizing the size and obviousness of the difference. It's used to highlight significant disparities, as seen in Ludwig's examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "yawning gap" effectively describes a significant and easily noticeable difference. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various domains, primarily in News & Media. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context; more formal alternatives might be preferable in academic or highly professional settings. Remember, the effectiveness of "yawning gap" lies in its ability to vividly portray the magnitude of a disparity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wide discrepancy

Focuses on the difference between two things, emphasizing the inconsistency more than the size.

significant disparity

Highlights the inequality or difference, often in a social or economic context.

large divide

Emphasizes the separation between two groups or concepts.

vast difference

Stresses the magnitude of the dissimilarity.

gaping chasm

Uses a more metaphorical term to describe a deep and significant difference.

broad gulf

Similar to 'large divide' but can also suggest a difference in opinion or understanding.

marked contrast

Emphasizes the noticeable difference when comparing two things.

substantial difference

Highlights the importance of the dissimilarity.

pronounced gap

Indicates that the gap is very noticeable or obvious.

clear distinction

Focuses on the clarity and unambiguity of the difference.

FAQs

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

You can use "yawning gap" to describe a large difference or disparity. For example, "There is a yawning gap between the rich and poor in many countries."

What can I say instead of "yawning gap"?

You can use alternatives like "wide discrepancy", "significant disparity", or "large divide" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "yawning gap" in formal writing?

While "yawning gap" is widely understood, it may be perceived as less formal. For formal writing, consider using phrases like "substantial difference" or "marked contrast".

What does "yawning gap" typically refer to?

"Yawning gap" typically refers to a significant and obvious difference, whether in income, performance, or understanding. It emphasizes the size and visibility of the difference.