cracks begin to show

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cracks begin to show" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that problems or weaknesses are starting to become apparent in a situation or relationship. Example: "Despite their seemingly perfect partnership, cracks begin to show when they struggle to communicate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Cracks begin to show in the Schulers' story.

The Washington Post

You wonder how long before the cracks begin to show.

The New York Times - Sports

If the cracks begin to show in AC-12, who will fall between them?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They proceed to drive Mingus and Marion crazy, so much so that cracks begin to show in the couple's relationship.

The New York Times

But soon enough, like the water polo team all touching their toes, the cracks begin to show.

Princeton University

Modern life and 'the joy of sex' Not until after the Second World War did any real cracks begin to show in the Victorian moral code.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Then cracks began to show.

The Washington Post

Inevitably, the cracks began to show.

The Guardian

But soon after the New Year, cracks began to show.

The Washington Post

But cracks began to show in Mr. Rocancourt's mask.

The New York Times

Last year, the first cracks began to show in the NFL's dominance of the American market.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cracks begin to show," provide context to specify what underlying issues are causing the problems to surface. This adds depth and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "cracks begin to show" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Instead, consider using synonyms like "problems start emerging" or "difficulties become apparent" for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cracks begin to show" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe the initial manifestation of underlying problems or weaknesses within a system, relationship, or facade. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cracks begin to show" is a common idiom used to indicate the initial signs of trouble or underlying problems becoming apparent. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and widely used. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, but also appearing in academic and business settings, the phrase serves as an early warning, signaling potential instability. When using this phrase, aim for clarity by specifying the underlying issues and avoiding overuse to maintain impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weaknesses become visible

Focuses on the visibility of inherent weaknesses rather than the initial signs of trouble.

problems start emerging

Focuses on the emergence of issues rather than the visibility of underlying weaknesses.

underlying issues emerge

Focuses on the emergence of previously hidden issues.

flaws start to surface

Emphasizes the emergence of imperfections, rather than the start of a collapse.

difficulties become apparent

Highlights the clarity of emerging difficulties rather than underlying structural issues.

issues start manifesting

Highlights the visible manifestation of issues instead of the initial appearance of underlying problems.

instability becomes noticeable

Emphasizes the increasing obviousness of instability instead of the initial hint of problems.

trouble is brewing

Suggests impending problems but lacks the sense of pre-existing weaknesses becoming apparent.

the facade starts to crumble

Implies a breakdown of outward appearance rather than the revealing of fundamental flaws.

the situation deteriorates

Indicates a worsening condition but not necessarily due to pre-existing cracks.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "cracks begin to show"?

It means that previously hidden problems or weaknesses are starting to become noticeable in a relationship, system, or situation. It suggests that something that seemed stable is starting to fail.

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

You can use alternatives like "problems start emerging", "difficulties become apparent", or "flaws start to surface depending on the context.

How to use "cracks begin to show" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe the initial stages of a breakdown. For example, "Despite their seemingly perfect partnership, the "cracks begin to show" when they struggle to communicate effectively."

Which is more appropriate: "cracks begin to show" or "cracks began to show"?

"Cracks begin to show" implies an ongoing process, while "cracks began to show" indicates that the process started in the past. Choose the tense that accurately reflects the timeline of the situation you're describing.