Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Chan-Seung Lee]

[Nef]

Which is correct, 'the gap between rich and poor' or 'the gap between the rich and the poor'?
And also I'd like to know why?

Hello,

I think either is fine. Here's why. Grammatically, the second phrase (with "the rich and the poor") probably is a better choice since it contains articles. But this has become such a common expression that it has worked its way into the language (and into sociology, politics, economics...) in either form.

Some people may not agree with me.