cracks begin to open

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cracks begin to open" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is starting to break apart or show signs of failure, often metaphorically. Example: "As the pressure mounted, cracks began to open in the team's cohesion, revealing underlying tensions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

By the time the cracks begin to open, and Hannah starts to show her own fury, you realise that this is a very considerable performance indeed.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

'If there are any cracks, they soon begin to open into gulfs.' But it seems that once you have decided that you have to build your own home, nothing will stop you.

The Guardian

Worryingly, cracks have begun to open in a second significant branch of our human rights infrastructure.

The Guardian - Opinion

But in the wake of grotesque tragedy, cracks have begun to open in the secret world of Nepal's imperial affairs.

The New York Times

But the cracks had already begun to open beneath Mr. Takenaka's feet.

The New York Times

Could the "crack in the wall of mistrust", which President Muhammad Khatami recently called for, really be beginning to open?

The Economist

Under judicial pressure, the NAS is already beginning to open its door a little wider to outside scrutiny--but only by a crack.

Science Magazine

Eventually, Quso began to open up.

The New Yorker

Banking is already beginning to open up.

Forbes

Cracks Begin to Appear By the middle of 2006, however, cracks began to appear.

Forbes

The cracks begin to show.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cracks begin to open" to describe the initial stages of a breakdown in a system, relationship, or structure. It suggests a subtle but growing problem.

Common error

While "cracks begin to open" is a valid phrase, overuse can diminish its impact. Consider alternatives like "problems surface" or "difficulties emerge" to maintain freshness in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cracks begin to open" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe the initial stages of a decline or breakdown. It often suggests that previously hidden problems or weaknesses are starting to become apparent and cause issues. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cracks begin to open" is a common idiomatic expression used to describe the initial stages of a breakdown or decline. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it signals the emergence of underlying problems or weaknesses. While grammatically correct and frequently used, it's important to avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "problems surface" or "difficulties emerge" for stylistic variation. The expert rating confirms that the phrase is reliable and consistently used in authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

problems start to emerge

This alternative shifts the focus from physical cracks to the emergence of problems.

difficulties start to surface

This alternative emphasizes the surfacing of difficulties rather than visible divisions.

troubles become apparent

This alternative focuses on the increasing visibility of troubles.

divisions start to appear

This alternative highlights the emergence of divisions or disagreements.

weaknesses start to show

This alternative emphasizes the exposure of underlying weaknesses.

instabilities begin to develop

This alternative concentrates on the gradual development of unstable conditions.

flaws become visible

This alternative emphasizes the visibility of underlying flaws.

ruptures start to form

This alternative focuses on the initial formation of ruptures, implying a more forceful break.

fault lines begin to appear

This alternative highlights the emergence of fault lines, implying deeper structural issues.

gaps start to widen

This alternative focuses on the widening of existing gaps or disagreements.

FAQs

What does it mean when "cracks begin to open"?

It signifies that underlying problems or weaknesses are starting to become visible or cause issues within a system, relationship, or structure.

How can I use "cracks begin to open" in a sentence?

Example: "As the pressure mounted, "cracks began to open" in the team's cohesion."

What can I say instead of "cracks begin to open"?

You can use alternatives like "problems start to emerge" or "difficulties start to surface" depending on the context.

Is "cracks begin to appear" the same as "cracks begin to open"?

While similar, "cracks begin to appear" focuses more on the initial visibility of the issues, while "cracks begin to open" suggests the issues are becoming more significant or impactful.