bridge the gap — reduce a difference
collocationC1IELTS 6.5+neutraloccasional
to reduce or remove the difference between two things, groups, or ideas
Say it like a native
Textbook The programme aims to diminish the disparity between the groups.
Native The programme helps bridge the gap between the two groups.
'Bridge the gap' is the natural collocation; 'diminish the disparity' is policy-paper formal.
Pattern: bridge the gap (between A and B)
In use
- Online courses can help bridge the gap between rich and poor schools.education
- Good public transport helps bridge the gap between people who can afford cars and those who can't.IELTS Part 3
Common mistake
✗ We need to bridge the gap of rich and poor.
✓ We need to bridge the gap between rich and poor.
'Bridge the gap BETWEEN' two things.
Common collocations
bridge the gap between— between generations, between rich and poor, the gap
Don't confuse it
Figurative — closing a difference, not building a real bridge.