cracks begin to spread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cracks begin to spread" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where problems or issues are starting to worsen or become more apparent. Example: "As the pressure increased, the cracks begin to spread across the surface of the structure, signaling potential failure."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

As the compressive force increases, the cracks begin to spread at the concrete corners.

International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering (IJASE)

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Word began to spread.

The New York Times - Sports

The jubilation began to spread.

The New Yorker

Online education is beginning to spread.

The Economist

But his influence has begun to spread.

The New York Times

Thus, Christian ideas began to spread.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Word, however, had begun to spread.

Independent

And so the word began to spread.

The New York Times

The hunger strike began to spread.

The Guardian

And so it began to spread.

The Guardian

Household electricity was beginning to spread.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "cracks begin to spread", ensure the context clearly establishes what is cracking (e.g., a relationship, a structure, a system). This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "cracks begin to spread" too frequently in a metaphorical sense, as it can become cliché. Vary your language by using synonyms like '"problems start escalating"' or '"issues commence expanding"' to maintain freshness and reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cracks begin to spread" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initial progression of deterioration or problems. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and signals a situation worsening. The example provided illustrates its use in describing structural failure.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cracks begin to spread" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the escalating nature of problems or the progressive deterioration of a situation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is usable in written English. While relatively rare in overall usage, it appears in contexts ranging from science and news to encyclopedias. Related phrases include '"problems start escalating"' and '"issues commence expanding"'. When using the phrase, ensure clarity in defining what is cracking to maximize its impact. Be cautious of overusing it metaphorically, opting for varied language to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

problems start escalating

Focuses on the increasing severity of problems.

issues commence expanding

Highlights the initial phase of issues growing in scope.

troubles emerge and proliferate

Emphasizes the dual action of troubles appearing and then rapidly increasing.

difficulties initiate widening

Indicates the start of difficulties broadening in impact.

flaws become more widespread

Highlights the increasing prevalence of flaws.

faults start propagating

Focuses on the faults replicating or spreading.

weaknesses begin to surface and extend

Combines the emergence and lengthening of weaknesses.

divisions start to grow wider

Indicates increasing separation or disagreement.

strains commence to intensify

Focuses on growing pressure or tension.

ruptures begin extending

Emphasizes the lengthening of breaks or disruptions.

FAQs

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

You can use "cracks begin to spread" to describe the initial worsening of a situation or the expansion of problems. For example, "As the pressure increased, the cracks began to spread across the surface of the structure."

What are some alternatives to "cracks begin to spread"?

Some alternatives include '"problems start escalating"', '"issues commence expanding"', or '"troubles emerge and proliferate"', depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "cracks begin to spread" metaphorically?

It's appropriate to use "cracks begin to spread" metaphorically when describing the early stages of deterioration in non-physical entities, such as relationships, systems, or organizations. Ensure the metaphor aligns with the overall tone and message of your writing.

What's the difference between "cracks begin to spread" and "cracks begin to appear"?

"Cracks begin to appear" indicates the initial emergence of problems, while "cracks begin to spread" suggests that these initial problems are starting to worsen or affect a larger area. For instance, '"cracks begin to appear"' might describe the first signs of disagreement in a team, whereas "cracks begin to spread" suggests those disagreements are now affecting team productivity.