crack of ice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crack of ice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the sound or occurrence of ice breaking, often in contexts related to winter sports, nature, or danger. Example: "As we skated on the frozen lake, we heard the ominous crack of ice beneath us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"We're a family that jumps at the crack of ice," he joked.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

'Community tourism may not suit the people who come to Africa expecting the "Big Five" and the cracking of ice cubes as the sun goes over the yardarm,' says Vicky Stirling of specialist operator Farside Africa.

The Guardian - Travel

Besides the light traffic of meticulously kept El Dorados (locals call them Q-Tip boxes) ferrying tiny, slumped mummies to Rite Aid on Palm Canyon Drive, the only sound in the bone-dry air is the mournful groan of a rock breaking off the pink-hued Santa Rosa Mountains, evoking the crack of an ice cube tray.

The New York Times - Magazine

Cameras captured up-close images of Europa's exquisitely cracked crust of ice, and magnetic field measurements indicated that beneath that ice is a layer of electrically conductive material -- what planetary scientists believe is a liquid ocean and possibly the most likely place in the solar system to find life.

The New York Times - Science

She knew the sounds that people made on the phone: the bottle unscrewed or uncorked, the pour of liquid over ice and the cracking of the ice.

The New Yorker

But temperatures rose above freezing on Saturday, and 35-mile-an-hour winds contributed to the cracking of the ice.

The New York Times

The only sounds, so I imagine, are the wind, the cracking of the ice, and the chip of the geologist's hammer.

The New Yorker

CA was found to be associated with complications including cryoshock, hypothermia, cracking of the ice ball, hemorrhage, biloma, abscess, pleural effusion, and death [ 38, 39].

BioMed Research International

But Dr. Osheroff determined that an expanding gas would create a crack perpendicular to the surface of the foam like a crack in a sheet of ice, not like a bubble in bad paint.

The New York Times

Even walking was hazardous, as any branch could fall with a gunfire crack and a shower of ice.

The New York Times

Every few seconds there was a thunderous crack, and a chunk of ice, distant and unseen, went crashing into the ice field.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "crack of ice" to create a vivid auditory image, especially in descriptions of winter landscapes or precarious situations on frozen surfaces.

Common error

Avoid using "crack of ice" metaphorically in contexts where a gradual or subtle change is more appropriate. The phrase implies a sudden and often dramatic event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crack of ice" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific sound and event. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "crack of ice" is a noun phrase used to describe the sound and the event of ice breaking. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English. While relatively rare, it appears primarily in News & Media and Science contexts, aiming to create vivid imagery or signal potential danger. Alternative phrases include "breaking of ice" or "ice fracture". When using the phrase, it's important to ensure the context appropriately calls for a sudden, dramatic event rather than a gradual change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

breaking of ice

Focuses on the action of ice breaking, rather than the sound.

ice fracture

More technical term for the same phenomenon.

ice cracking sound

Specifically emphasizes the auditory aspect of the ice breaking.

sound of ice splitting

Highlights the separation aspect of the ice.

ice sheet fracture

Refers to a larger scale breaking of ice.

the snap of ice

Uses a different verb to describe the breaking.

ice shattering

Implies a more forceful break than just cracking.

ice calving

Specifically refers to ice breaking off a glacier.

glacial fracture

Connects the fracture to glacial ice.

the splitting of a glacier

Describes in detail a process of the glacier.

FAQs

How can I use "crack of ice" in a sentence?

You can use "crack of ice" to describe the sound or event of ice breaking. For instance: "As we ventured onto the frozen lake, the ominous "crack of ice" beneath our feet made us turn back."

What does "crack of ice" typically describe?

The phrase "crack of ice" typically describes the sharp, sudden sound and/or the visual event of ice fracturing or breaking apart.

Are there situations where "breaking ice" is more appropriate than "crack of ice"?

Yes, while semantically similar, "breaking ice" often refers to initiating a conversation or social interaction, whereas "crack of ice" specifically refers to the physical breaking of ice.

What kind of imagery does "crack of ice" evoke?

The phrase "crack of ice" typically evokes imagery of winter, cold, and potential danger due to the instability of the ice. It can also suggest a sudden and irreversible change.