to-bridge-the-gap
/tuː brɪdʒ ðə ɡæp/ IELTSAcademic
phrase
To help two people, ideas, groups, or situations connect better when there is a difference between them. It is often used when something reduces misunderstanding or makes cooperation easier.
- The teacher used examples to bridge the gap.
- This course helps bridge the gap between theory and practice.
- The new manager bridged the gap between teams.
Adinary Nuance
Bridge the gap is more practical than close the gap. It focuses on helping people or ideas connect, not only on fixing a problem completely. It is also softer and more relationship-based than solve or eliminate. Writers often choose it in education, business, and social topics.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- thu hẹp khoảng cách
- Spanish
- acortar la brecha
- Chinese
- 缩小差距
- Japanese
- 溝を埋める
- Korean
- 격차를 좁히다
Etymology
This phrase comes from the literal idea of building a bridge over a gap. In English, it has been used figuratively for a long time to mean making connection or understanding possible.
Common phrases
bridge the gap betweenbridge the gap in skillsbridge the generation gapbridge the gap between theory and practice
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is bridge the gap formal or informal?
- It is neutral and common in both spoken and written English.
- What is the difference between bridge the gap and close the gap?
- Bridge the gap means improve connection. Close the gap means reduce a difference more directly.
- Can I use bridge the gap in business writing?
- Yes. It is common in business, education, and social writing.
- Do native speakers use this phrase often?
- Yes, especially in professional and academic contexts.