crack of machine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crack of machine" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to refer to a malfunction or issue with a machine, but the wording is unclear and not standard. Example: "The technician noticed a crack of machine that needed immediate attention."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We looked toward the staccato crack of machine gun fire but saw nothing.

The New York Times

The crack of machine gunfire competes with the steady boom of mortars as men hurry in and out the building ferrying food and ammunition to their comrades inside.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The study of development of cracks on machine structures thus becomes crucial.

Materials Today: Proceedings

But I can't get rid of the sense that the cracking of machine-gun fire that ended almost 100 young and political lives was also the sound of fundamental change.

The Guardian

As the trumpet gives way to the crack of a drum machine, Chance vamps for a while, quietly sharing his version of domestic bliss: "Tryna turn my baby mamma to my fiancée / She like music, she from Houston like Auntie 'Yoncé." Then, suddenly overtaken by love, he starts to bellow: "Man, my daughter couldn't haaave a better mooother!

The New Yorker

The problem, of course, is that the betting shops would still be open for bets on the football and, most importantly, the electronic crack of the roulette machines, so racing might as well be there too to pick up what it can (and bank the picture rights money).

The Guardian - Sport

New York City's mayor, Michael R. Bloomberg, co-chairman of Mayors Against Illegal Guns, has put forward a raft of proposals to tighten background checks, better regulate gun shows, trace and share information about guns used in crimes, and crack down on the importation of machine guns, military-style rifles and other especially dangerous weapons.

The New York Times

During peak season (roughly mid-November to April), nearly every pool chaise is draped in towels by the crack of dawn, all aerobic machines in the gym are occupied by 8 a.m., every restaurant is heavily booked months in advance, and the steady stream of surcharges threatens to send an already expensive vacation into the financial stratosphere.

The New York Times - Travel

A rocket-propelled grenade had struck the ground outside by the trucks and bursts of machine gun fire were cracking through the air.

The New York Times

Damage of machine components occur when cracks form and continue to grow to a size large enough to cause fracture.

International Journal of Fatigue

Clancy and partner Aljaz Skorjanec's tango to Florence and the Machine's "Spectrum" was "snappier than the crack of a whip", according to Tonioli.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing machine malfunctions, use specific and widely understood terms like "malfunction", "breakdown", or "failure" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "crack of machine" as it is not a standard or clear way to describe a machine issue. Opt for more precise language to ensure your meaning is understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crack of machine" is a noun phrase functioning as a descriptor, although its usage is non-standard. It attempts to describe a fault or issue with a machine, but lacks conventional grammatical structure. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase lacks clarity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "crack of machine" is a non-standard expression attempting to describe a machine malfunction or issue. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect and lacking clarity, suggesting alternative phrases like "machine malfunction" or "machine failure" for better precision. Although some sources, primarily news outlets, use the term, its infrequency and ambiguity make it less effective for clear communication. Therefore, when describing machine-related problems, prioritize established and specific terminology to avoid potential misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

machine malfunction

Replaces "crack" with a direct term for a machine issue.

machine breakdown

Similar to malfunction, but implies a more significant failure.

machine failure

A general term for when a machine stops working correctly.

fault in the machine

Indicates an error or problem within the machine.

issue with the machine

A broad term to describe any sort of problem affecting the machine.

sound of the machine

Focuses on the noise a machine makes, removing the implication of damage.

machine defect

Highlights a flaw or imperfection in the machine.

damage to the machine

Specifies that the machine has experienced some form of harm.

the machine cracked

Uses "cracked" as a verb to describe the machine's condition.

the machine's cracking sound

Focuses on the specific sound produced by a cracking machine.

FAQs

What does "crack of machine" mean?

The phrase "crack of machine" is not standard English and is open to interpretation. It might refer to a malfunctioning or broken machine, but clearer terms like "machine malfunction" or "machine failure" are preferable.

How can I use more precise language instead of "crack of machine"?

Instead of "crack of machine", consider using phrases such as "machine malfunction", "machine failure", or "issue with the machine" for clarity.

Is "crack of machine" grammatically correct?

No, "crack of machine" is not considered grammatically correct or standard English. It's better to use established terms for machine problems.

What are some alternatives to describe a sound from a machine?

If referring to a sound, instead of using "crack of machine" you could say "sound of the machine", or if describing damage you could say "damage to the machine".