"increase the gap" vs "widen the gap"

Question

"increase the gap" vs "widen the gap"

Both 'widen the gap' and 'increase the gap' are correct phrases that can be used interchangeably. They both convey the idea of making the difference or distance between two things larger. The choice between them depends on personal preference or the specific context in which they are used.

Last Updated: March 30, 2024

This phrase is used when you want to highlight the action of making the gap bigger between two things, such as in rankings, scores, or disparities.

Examples:

The new regulations will increase the gap between the two companies.
His mistake only served to increase the gap between him and the rest of the team.
The recent events have increased the gap between the two political parties.

Alternatives:

widen the gap
expand the gap
broaden the gap
deepen the gap
increase the difference

This phrase is used when you want to emphasize the act of making the gap wider between two things, such as in competition, performance, or understanding.

Examples:

The new policy will widen the gap between the rich and the poor.
Her exceptional skills helped widen the gap between her and the other competitors.
The cultural differences widened the gap between the two communities.

Alternatives:

increase the gap
expand the gap
broaden the gap
deepen the gap
widen the difference

Answer 1

increase the gap

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate making the difference or distance between two things larger.

Answer 2

widen the gap

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate making the difference or distance between two things larger.

"increase the gap" vs "widen the gap"

increase the gap

widen the gap

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