between the cracks of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "between the cracks of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that can be found in small gaps or openings that cannot be easily seen. For example, "We found the missing puzzle piece wedged between the cracks of the chair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Mendelssohn falls between the cracks of historical chronology.

The New York Times

It was written between the cracks of history, a negative-space version of history.

The Guardian - Books

In real life, too much falls between the cracks of self-conscious self-dramatisation.

The Guardian

"I just fell between the cracks of the church," Father Alphonse said of his dual career.

The New York Times

(Lower-income people without children often fall between the cracks of both systems, advocates say).

The New York Times

But further development work has always fallen between the cracks of different agencies.

The Economist

Cardeña has published a textbook on phenomena that "fall between the cracks of the house built by contemporary mainstream psychology".

The New Yorker

"It's a very practical policy, in terms of ensuring that people don't fall between the cracks of the welfare system.

The Guardian

Officially, Dinitrophenol is classed as an illegal food and fall between the cracks of various departments in Britain.

Independent

However, contrary to your suggestion, such requirements are not "sneaky methods" that slip between the cracks of WTO disciplines.

The Economist

Ms. Tomer is one of a small but avid group of advocates who are presenting music that falls between the cracks of genres.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "between the cracks of," ensure the context clearly defines what 'cracks' are being referred to. This provides clarity and strengthens the imagery.

Common error

Avoid using "between the cracks of" for situations where things are intentionally hidden. The phrase suggests unintentional oversight, not deliberate concealment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "between the cracks of" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb by indicating location, either literally or figuratively. It describes something situated in an overlooked or interstitial space.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "between the cracks of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe something easily overlooked within a system or structure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, and less so in encyclopedias. While alternatives such as "falling through the gaps" exist, "between the cracks of" provides a specific and vivid image of vulnerability or oversight. A key best practice is ensuring the 'cracks' are clearly defined for context, while avoiding its use for intentional concealment, as that suggests unintentional oversight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

falling through the gaps

Uses a more general term for 'gaps' instead of the specific 'cracks', implying a broader sense of something being missed.

slipping through the net

Suggests a system or process failing to catch something, often with negative consequences.

in the margins

Emphasizes a location outside the main focus, often implying something unconventional or overlooked.

in the interstices of

Refers to spaces between things, highlighting the idea of something existing in an in-between state.

lost in the shuffle

Highlights the idea of something being overlooked due to confusion or disorganization.

overlooked

A simple and direct way of saying something has been missed.

neglected

Implies a lack of attention or care, leading to something being missed.

in the shadows

Suggests something hidden or concealed, often with negative connotations.

in no man's land

Implies a lack of clear ownership or responsibility, leading to something being neglected.

between the lines

Focuses on implied meaning rather than explicit content.

FAQs

How can I use "between the cracks of" in a sentence?

You can use "between the cracks of" to describe something that is easily missed or overlooked within a system or structure. For example, "Many important details fell "through the cracks" during the investigation".

What are some alternatives to "between the cracks of"?

Some alternatives include "falling through the gaps", "slipping through the net", or "in the margins", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "between the cracks of"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and numerous examples in reputable sources demonstrate its proper usage.

What does it mean when something falls "between the cracks of" different systems?

It means that the thing in question isn't adequately addressed or protected by either system, leading to potential neglect or harm. This often happens when responsibilities are unclear or when there's a lack of coordination.