gap
gap — noun
1. an area in or between two objects where there is nothing solid, so that light, a
an area in or between two objects where there is nothing solid, so that light, air, or small things can pass through
Sunlight streamed through a narrow gap in the curtains and woke the children.
gap in [physical object]
The builders left a small gap between the floorboards so the wood could expand in warm weather.
gap between [two things]
Élise noticed a gap in the hedge where small animals had been getting into the garden.
There was just enough of a gap between the wall and the wardrobe to slide the vacuum cleaner through.
The dentist told Christopher that the gap between his two front teeth was nothing to worry about.
文法句型
gap + between + plural noun phrase
gap + in + noun phrase
用法筆記
Countable. Often used with a prepositional phrase beginning with 'between' or 'in' to specify the location.
常見錯誤
2. the stretch of field separating two baseball outfielders, where a strongly hit b
the stretch of field separating two baseball outfielders, where a strongly hit ball can roll past them for extra bases
The batter hit the ball into the gap between left and center field for a double.
hit into the gap
A fast runner can turn a hit into the gap into a triple if the outfielders are slow to react.
The center fielder sprinted to cover the gap and caught the ball just before it dropped.
The shortstop moved to his left to cover the gap up the middle of the infield.
文法句型
hit into the gap
gap between [outfielders]
用法筆記
Used mainly in American baseball commentary and coaching. Not common in everyday conversation outside of sports contexts.
3. the space in ice hockey between the puck carrier and the closest defender who is
the space in ice hockey between the puck carrier and the closest defender who is trying to block their progress
The defenseman closed the gap quickly, forcing the puck carrier to pass before reaching the blue line.
close the gap
A skilled forward can exploit a small gap between defenders to create a clear scoring opportunity.
The coach told the players to maintain a tight gap and not give the opponent room to maneuver.
The winger used his speed to close the gap and steal the puck from behind the defenseman.
文法句型
close the gap
gap + between + player and player
用法筆記
Specific to ice hockey strategy discussion. 'Close the gap' is the most common collocation in this sense.
4. something that is missing or not complete, so that the whole thing is not as goo
something that is missing or not complete, so that the whole thing is not as good or useful as it should be
The professor identified a gap in the student's understanding of basic algebra concepts.
gap in [knowledge/understanding]
After the accident, Cyrus had gaps in his memory of what had happened that evening.
The audit revealed a gap in the company's data security procedures that needed urgent attention.
Liang took extra courses to fill the gaps in his training before applying for the advanced certification.
Historians still face significant gaps in the written record for that period of civil war.
- deficiency
more formal than gap; suggests a more serious lack
- missing piece
more informal and specific
- shortcoming
focuses on a flaw rather than just an absence
文法句型
gap + in + noun phrase
fill + a/the gap
用法筆記
Countable. Frequently used in educational, professional, and research contexts to describe incomplete knowledge or resources.
常見錯誤
5. an opportunity to create or sell something that people want but that no company
an opportunity to create or sell something that people want but that no company currently offers
The startup identified a gap in the market for affordable electric bikes for city commuters.
gap in the market
Rachel's business idea came from spotting a gap in the local delivery service for organic groceries.
Market research revealed a clear gap for eco-friendly packaging in the cosmetics industry.
The new language app fills a gap for travelers who need quick translations without internet access.
- niche
a gap is an unmet need; a niche is a specialized segment of a market
- opportunity
broader; a market gap is a specific type of business opportunity
文法句型
gap + in + the market / industry
fill + a gap
用法筆記
Common in business and entrepreneurship contexts. The fixed phrase 'gap in the market' is the most frequent form of this sense.
6. a large difference between two groups, amounts, or opinions, especially one that
a large difference between two groups, amounts, or opinions, especially one that causes problems or is hard to reduce
The gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen in many countries around the world.
gap between [groups]
Saira's parents struggled to understand the generation gap between themselves and their teenage daughter.
generation gap
The pay gap between men and women in the technology sector remains a serious concern for activists.
The two politicians tried to bridge the gap between their very different views on climate policy.
There is still a wide gap in educational opportunities between rural and urban areas in the region.
- disparity
more formal and emphasizes unfairness
- divide
suggests a separation that is hard to cross
- difference
more neutral; gap implies a large or problematic difference
文法句型
gap + between + plural noun phrase
generation gap
pay gap
wealth gap
用法筆記
Countable. Often used in social commentary about inequality (wealth gap, gender gap) or disagreements (opinion gap). 'Bridge the gap' is a common idiom meaning to reduce differences.
常見錯誤
7. the time between two events or activities, often used when someone chooses to do
the time between two events or activities, often used when someone chooses to do something outside their normal routine
After high school, Ayana decided to take a gap year to travel through Southeast Asia and volunteer.
gap year
There was a short gap of about three months between leaving her old job and starting the new one.
gap between [time periods]
The company allows employees to take a career gap of up to one year for personal projects or study.
After a five-year gap, Reuben returned to university to finish his degree in environmental science.
There was a brief gap in the concert program while the musicians tuned their instruments backstage.
文法句型
gap + between + noun phrases (jobs, events)
gap year
gap + in + career/studies
用法筆記
Countable. 'Gap year' is a fixed phrase common in British and Australian English for a year taken between school and university. For other periods, specify the duration (e.g. 'two-year gap').
gap — verb
1. to create an opening or break in a solid surface, barrier, or structure, usually
to create an opening or break in a solid surface, barrier, or structure, usually by force or damage
Heavy bombing had gapped the city walls in several places, leaving them dangerously exposed.
passive: be gapped by [force]
The earthquake gapped the mountain road, making it completely impassable for vehicles and hikers.
Centuries of erosion had gapped the cliff face, creating deep fissures along the coastline.
The storm gapped the wooden fence, leaving a wide opening for livestock to escape.
文法句型
gap + noun phrase (object)
be gapped + by + noun phrase
用法筆記
Rare in everyday conversation. Used more in literary, historical, or technical descriptions of destruction or erosion.
2. to be or become open, with parts separating to reveal what is behind or inside
to be or become open, with parts separating to reveal what is behind or inside
The old wooden door had warped over time and gapped at the bottom, letting in cold drafts of air.
gap + at [location]
Her lips gapped slightly as she tried to find the right words to respond to the unexpected news.
The wardrobe door had warped and gapped at the corner, leaving a thin crack of light.
The wound gapped open after the bandage was removed, requiring immediate attention from the nurse.
文法句型
gap + open/adverb (no direct object)
用法筆記
Very rare. Found mainly in literary descriptions of physical states. Learners may encounter it in fiction but rarely need to produce it.