crack a window

USAGE SUMMARY

"crack a window" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to open a window slightly, usually for the purpose of letting in fresh air. Example: "The room was stuffy, so I decided to crack a window to let in some fresh air."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

But while you hold that downward dog I am just going to crack a window.

The New Yorker

Besides, if I were lazy or sloppy, I could easily crack a window, stain a rug, or lose my life.

The New York Times

On "Nosetalgia," he talks process: "Arm & Hammer and a Mason jar, that's my dinner date/ Then crack a window in the kitchen, let it ventilate/ 'Cause I let it sizzle on the stove like a minute steak".

The New York Times - Arts

"You'll eventually need to leave the room or crack a window or you'll get a headache," she told me later.

TechCrunch

When Rhee decided to crack a window to let in some fresh air, in flew a bumblebee.

Huffington Post

Also crack a window if it allows.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

How to crack a Windows password with Ophcrack Live CD [Lifehacker].

TechCrunch

Mr. Lubovitch cracks a window on a harsh bedroom scene in which Ms. Skarpetowska, threats aside, always returns for more.

The New York Times - Arts

At a 7-Eleven storefront on St. Marks Place, "one guy swung a pole" and cracked a window in two places, said Mohammed Habibur Rahman, who works across the street.

The New York Times

Hadrick's e-mail updates grew chattier as time went on, cracking a window on the rancher's life and outlook.

The New York Times - Magazine

You won't find the recipe for neanderthal bread in "Sicilian Feasts" (Hippocrene Books, $24.95) by Giovanna Bellia La Marca, from Cliffside Park, but the story behind it cracks a window on the author's kitchen philosophy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of regional variations. While "crack a window" is widely understood, some regions may have alternative expressions for the same action.

Common error

Avoid using "crack a window" when you intend to open the window fully. This phrase specifically implies a small opening. To avoid confusion, use "open the window" for a full opening.

Linguistic Context

Crack a window functions as a verb phrase, specifically indicating an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase. The examples provided demonstrate its use in practical contexts, mostly for ventilation or allowing fresh air into a space.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "crack a window" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe slightly opening a window, usually to let in fresh air. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is most frequently used in News & Media and Wiki contexts, indicating a neutral to informal register. When using this phrase, be sure that you are referring to a small opening rather than a full one. Related phrases include "open a window slightly" and "leave a window ajar". Practical advice for writers involves considering the context and purpose, ensuring the phrase accurately reflects the intended degree of openness. Common errors involve using the phrase when intending a full opening. In short, "crack a window" is a versatile phrase for everyday scenarios requiring a touch of fresh air.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

open a window slightly

Focuses on the action of opening, but emphasizes the small degree of opening.

partially open a window

Specifies that the window is not fully opened.

leave a window ajar

Emphasizes the state of the window being slightly open.

open the window a crack

Uses 'crack' as a noun to describe the small opening.

vent the room

Focuses on the result of opening the window, which is to ventilate the room.

air out the room

Describes the action of letting fresh air into the room, implying a window is opened.

let some fresh air in

Describes the purpose of opening the window.

slide the window open a bit

Focuses on the sliding action and the small extent of the opening.

ease the window open

Implies a gentle action of opening the window.

prop the window open a smidge

Suggests using an object to keep the window slightly ajar.

FAQs

What does "crack a window" mean?

To "crack a window" means to open it slightly, typically to let in some fresh air.

What can I say instead of "crack a window"?

You can use alternatives like "open a window slightly", "partially open a window", or "leave a window ajar" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "crack open a window"?

Yes, "crack open a window" is also a correct and commonly used variation of "crack a window".

When is it appropriate to "crack a window"?

It's appropriate to "crack a window" when you want to allow some fresh air into a space without fully opening the window, such as when the weather is cold or you only need a small amount of ventilation.