What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
distance
Example
The distance between New York and Los Angeles is over 2,700 miles. [distance: noun]
Example
She kept her distance from him after their argument. [distance: noun]
Example
They had a long-distance relationship for two years. [long-distance: adjective]
gap
Example
There was a gap in the fence where the dog escaped. [gap: noun]
Example
There is a gap in my knowledge of history. [gap: noun]
Example
There is a significant gap in pay between men and women in this company. [gap: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Distance is a more common word than gap in everyday language, as it is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between distance and gap?
Both distance and gap are neutral in terms of formality, and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
