crevice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crevice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a narrow opening or fissure, often in a surface such as rock or a wall. Example: "The small creature hid in the crevice of the stone wall, safe from predators."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As we crossed the border along the Pas d'Aspe – barely a crevice in the jagged peaks – I looked up to see, hovering above, the turrets of a chateau that appeared to have been carved into the rock.

The Guardian - Travel

IN THE paintings that hawkers sell in Pagan, Myanmar's medieval capital, the ruins look exactly as tourists might expect: romantic, tumble-down temples dot the dusty plain, a fallen stupa here, a buckling wall there, the occasional plant sprouting from a lofty crevice.

The Economist

This one bisected his face, opening a crevice that ran from his left eye to his right jaw (see picture).

The Economist

The bottom looms and there it is, a long reef crevice just wide enough to reach into, and inside, hidden from casual view, a stippled colony of molluscs.

The Economist

In discoidal cleavage the cells, which do not surround the whole embryo, lie only on the animal pole; nevertheless, a blastocoel may be formed by a crevice appearing between the blastomeres and the mass of yolk.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The couple then seek a nesting site in a crevice or dig a hole in wood or soil that has been softened by rain and seal the hole with their own fecal matter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thus, the head end of the body intermittently progresses forward over the ground or enters a crevice as the longitudinally extending segments are continuously being lengthened outward from the front end of each thickened zone.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Arctic foxes give birth in a den in the ground, in a hollow log or tree, in a hidden brushy area, among boulders, or in a crevice of rock.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Danny Boyle's exciting 127 Hours, based on a true story, cleverly sustained visual interest despite the hero's confined position trapped in a canyon's crevice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The nest site is always in a cavity, which may be a hole or crevice in a tree, a bank, or a wall.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The salamander, Karsenia koreana, was given the common name Korean crevice salamander.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing landscapes or geological formations, use "crevice" to provide a vivid image of the terrain's texture and depth.

Common error

Avoid using "crevice" metaphorically for abstract concepts like "a gap in understanding". While creative language is encouraged, using "crevice" in such contexts may sound awkward or unnatural. Instead, opt for more common metaphors like "gap", "hole", or "void".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "crevice" is a noun, referring to a narrow opening or fissure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English. Examples show it describing physical locations such as "a reef crevice", "a canyon's crevice", or "a rock crevice".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

34%

News & Media

51%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "crevice" is a versatile and frequently used noun that refers to a narrow opening or fissure. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is correct and usable in written English. It is particularly common in encyclopedias and news media, where precise descriptions of physical locations are crucial. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, it's important to avoid misusing "crevice" metaphorically in contexts where it might sound unnatural. Alternatives like "narrow fissure", "small crack", and "fissure" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances, enhancing your writing's precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fissure

This alternative emphasizes a long, narrow opening or crack in something.

Narrow fissure

This alternative emphasizes the narrowness and the nature of the opening as a split or crack.

Cleft

This alternative suggests a split or fissure, often in rock or the earth.

Small crack

This alternative highlights the small size and fractured appearance of the opening.

Slit

This alternative suggests a long, narrow opening, often sharply defined.

Cranny

This alternative denotes a small, narrow space or opening.

Chink

This alternative implies a small, often unintentional gap or opening.

Interstice

This alternative refers to a small space between things, often in a complex structure.

Aperture

This alternative denotes an opening or hole, often serving a specific purpose.

Gap

This alternative refers to a space or interval between two things.

FAQs

How can I use "crevice" in a sentence?

You can use "crevice" to describe a narrow opening or fissure in a rock, wall, or other surface. For example, "The lizard hid in a "narrow fissure" of the rock".

What are some synonyms for "crevice"?

Synonyms for "crevice" include "crack", "fissure", "cranny", and "slit". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuances you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "crevice" in formal writing?

Yes, "crevice" is appropriate for formal writing when describing physical features. However, avoid using it metaphorically in formal contexts unless it's a well-established and widely understood metaphor.

What is the difference between a "crevice" and a "crack"?

While both "crevice" and "crack" refer to openings, a "crevice" typically implies a deeper, more significant fissure than a "crack". A "crevice" often suggests a space that something can enter or inhabit, while a "crack" may simply be a superficial fracture.