bridge gaps

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiom

   To reduce or remove differences between people, groups, or ideas so they can connect or understand each other.

   Grammar: Used as a verb phrase: 'bridge gaps between An and B' or 'bridge the gap'.

   Patterns

   • bridge gaps between people
   • bridge gaps in understanding
   • bridge the gap between A and B

   The new community center aims to bridge gaps between older and younger residents.

   Education can help bridge gaps in opportunity across the country.

   The translator's job is to bridge gaps in communication between the two teams.

2. 2phraseidiom

   To make a connection over a physical space or a period of time.

   Grammar: Often used with 'between': 'bridge the gap between the two buildings' or 'bridge gaps in the historical record'.

   Patterns

   • bridge gaps in the record
   • bridge the gap between two things

   The new bridge will bridge gaps in the road network along the coast.

   Historians use letters to bridge gaps in the official records.

   The festival helps bridge gaps between the two cultures through music.

Common combinations

bridge gaps between communities

The charity works to bridge gaps between communities in the city.

bridge gaps in knowledge

The course is designed to bridge gaps in knowledge for new students.

help bridge gaps

Technology can help bridge gaps in access to healthcare.

bridge the gap

The mentor program aims to bridge the gap between school and work.

Synonyms and how they differ

connect

Connect is more general and can refer to physical or personal links; bridge gaps suggests overcoming a specific difference or distance.

reconcile

Reconcile is used when bringing opposing ideas or people into agreement; bridge gaps is broader and can also apply to physical or informational gaps.

unite

Unite emphasizes joining together into one; bridge gaps emphasizes reducing separation while keeping distinct sides.

Opposites

Word family

bridge verb

To make a connection between two things or groups.

gap noun

A space or difference between two things.

Commonly confused: bridge gaps or bridge the gap?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “bridge gaps”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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