a large crack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a large crack" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant fissure or break in a surface, such as a wall, pavement, or object. Example: "After the earthquake, we noticed a large crack running through the foundation of the house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

A large crack ran through it.

The New Yorker

A large crack was visible at the building's base.

Independent

Westbound lane has a large crack and is impassable.

The New York Times

A large crack now runs through it but misses the figure of Mary by a hairbreadth.

The New York Times

The quake, with a magnitude of 6.9, left a large crack in a dam in the area.

Independent

A large crack ran almost the length of the courtyard's pavement, evidence, she suspected, of a shaky foundation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

"He'll be fine in five or six days, but if we trained him for the Belmont, it could lead to a larger crack in his hoof wall.

The New York Times - Sports

By straightly made holes, a larger crack than that of Log F appeared.

ROBOMECH Journal

Results have shown that the crack induced damage increased nonlinearly with a larger crack size.

Composite Structures

Micro-cracks of 20 to 40 μm appear, and in a few opportunities, a larger crack was found, reaching a total length of 1480 μm.

International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

When temperature is higher than 500°C, creep-dependent crack growth becomes dominant which results in a larger crack growth rate.

Acta Materialia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing damage to structures, use "a large crack" to clearly indicate the severity and potential safety concerns. For example, "The engineer reported a large crack in the bridge support, requiring immediate attention."

Common error

Avoid using "a large crack" metaphorically when a more nuanced expression would be appropriate. Instead of saying "A large crack appeared in their relationship", consider phrases like "a significant rift" or "a growing divide" for greater precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a large crack" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "large" is an adjective modifying the noun "crack". This phrase typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, as seen in Ludwig AI's analysis and the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a large crack" is a common noun phrase used to describe a significant physical flaw. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its frequent appearance in news, science, and general contexts highlights its broad applicability. While mostly neutral in register, it's crucial to avoid overuse in metaphorical contexts, where alternatives like "significant rift" may provide greater nuance. Therefore, when describing structural damage or physical defects, use "a large crack" for clarity, but consider more precise terms for abstract or emotional fissures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial fissure

Replaces "crack" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing the depth and size of the opening.

a significant fracture

Uses "fracture" instead of "crack", suggesting a more serious break or rupture.

a major split

Emphasizes the division caused by the crack, highlighting its impact.

a gaping crevice

Suggests a wide and deep opening, emphasizing its size and depth.

a wide cleft

Uses "cleft" to describe a split or fissure, implying a more natural formation.

a prominent rupture

Highlights the visibility and significance of the break.

an extensive break

Focuses on the area affected by the crack, emphasizing its reach.

a considerable fissure

Replaces "large" with "considerable" to indicate a notable size or extent.

a notable fracture

Similar to "significant fracture", but slightly less intense in implication.

a sizeable split

Uses "sizeable" to indicate a considerable size.

FAQs

How can I use "a large crack" in a sentence?

You can use "a large crack" to describe physical damage, such as "There was a large crack in the wall after the earthquake" or metaphorically, although less commonly, to describe a problem. However, metaphorical usages might benefit from alternatives like "significant rift".

What are some synonyms for "a large crack"?

Some synonyms include "substantial fissure", "significant fracture", or "major split", depending on the specific context and the level of formality desired.

Is it better to say "a big crack" or "a large crack"?

"A large crack" is generally considered more formal and precise than "a big crack". While both are understandable, "a large crack" is often preferred in technical or professional contexts, while "a big crack" is more common in informal speech.

What does it mean if something has "a large crack"?

It typically indicates a significant structural flaw or damage. Depending on the object or structure, it could imply instability, potential for collapse, or the need for repair. The seriousness of "a large crack" depends heavily on the context in which it appears.