cracked

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'cracked' is a valid and commonly used word in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has a split, fracture, or break, as in the following example sentence: The rock was so old it had cracked in the heat of the sun.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Tech

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cheesy Name A GCHQ program that selects encryption keys that might be vulnerable to being cracked.

The Guardian

First look review: The Giver – Utopia isn't all it's cracked up to be, again.

The Guardian - Film

I found the cracked shareware demo for the original MP3 encoder, which even its inventors had considered lost.

The Guardian - Books

A 1940s New York train carriage sits at rest inside a darkened warehouse, one of its sides cracked open.

The Guardian

He had enabled the codes used by the Nazis to send messages to and from their commanders to be cracked.

The Guardian

Someone would have cracked, whispered or cashed in; which points to Nakamoto being a lone operator.

The Guardian

The woman, who did not give her name, said they had been eating stale cracked wheat and barley to survive.

The Guardian

For a year and a half I had felt completely out of my depth, and finally cracked.

The Guardian

At several points his voice cracked as if he was on the point of breaking down.

The Guardian

It was Luis Enrique's side, however, who cracked again when an unmarked Verratti headed home from Thiago Motta's corner.

The Guardian - Sport

He missed Euro 92 due to shin splints, played well for another four seasons, and then missed Euro 96 with a cracked vertebra.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cracked" to describe solving a problem, ensure the context clearly indicates that a solution was found, rather than something being physically broken. Consider using more specific verbs like "solved" or "deciphered" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "cracked" in formal writing when describing emotional states, as it can sound informal or even harsh. Opt for more nuanced terms like "succumbed to pressure" or "broke down" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "cracked" functions primarily as a verb, often used in the past tense. It signifies the act of breaking something, solving a problem, or succumbing to pressure. Ludwig shows examples across various contexts, from physical fractures to metaphorical breakdowns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Sport

13%

Books

8%

Less common in

Tech

5%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "cracked" is versatile, functioning mainly as a verb with meanings ranging from physical breakage to solving puzzles or succumbing to pressure. Ludwig AI indicates the word is grammatically correct and commonly used. Its register is generally neutral, appearing in news, sports, and literature. Related phrases include "solved", "gave way", and "broke down", each offering nuances in meaning. When writing, consider the specific connotation you intend to convey, opting for more precise language in formal contexts. While "cracked" is widely used, ensure clarity and appropriateness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broken

A general term for being damaged or non-functional, similar to the literal sense of "cracked".

broke down

Indicates a failure or loss of emotional control, similar to "cracking" under pressure.

gave way

Suggests a collapse or failure under pressure, similar to the breaking aspect of "cracked".

collapsed

Implies a sudden failure or breakdown, similar to the structural sense of "cracked".

solved

Indicates that a problem or mystery has been successfully resolved, contrasting with "cracked" which can imply breaking under pressure or finding a solution.

yielded

Similar to "gave way", suggesting a surrender or failure to resist pressure.

succumbed

Implies yielding to pressure or temptation, akin to someone "cracking" under stress.

decoded

Specifically refers to deciphering a code or message, relating to the "cracking" of codes.

unraveled

Suggests a mystery or complex situation being solved, similar to cracking a case.

disclosed

Suggests the revealing of secret information, somewhat related to cracking a secret.

FAQs

How can I use "cracked" in a sentence?

You can use "cracked" to describe something physically broken, like "The vase was "cracked"". It can also mean to solve something, such as "They "cracked" the code" or to succumb under pressure, for example "He "cracked" under the stress".

What can I say instead of "cracked"?

Alternatives for "cracked" depend on the context. If something is physically broken, consider "fractured" or "split". If you mean solved, use "solved" or "deciphered". If referring to someone breaking under pressure, try "succumbed" or "yielded".

Which is correct, "cracked the code" or "solved the code"?

Both "cracked the code" and "solved the code" are correct, but they carry slightly different connotations. "Cracked the code" implies ingenuity or overcoming a difficult challenge, while "solved the code" is more neutral and general.

What's the difference between "cracked" and "broken"?

"Cracked" suggests a partial break or fissure, whereas "broken" implies a complete separation or irreparable damage. Something that is ""cracked"" might still be functional, but something that is "broken" typically is not.