first cracked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first cracked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the initial moment something was broken or revealed, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The case was first cracked by a diligent detective who noticed a small detail that others overlooked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Incubation lasts about 30 days, including the three-day hatching period after the egg is first cracked.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was first cracked in the temple by one, who whipped her weapon of choice upwards, cutting the air like a thinned-out cricket bat.

The New York Times

But he admitted that a left-side rib, which was first cracked nearly ten years ago and has been troublesome since, was again giving him pain.

The Guardian - Sport

Dr. Fridrich first cracked the colorful walls of the Rubik's Cube in 1981 as a teenager living in a Czech coal mining city.

The New York Times - Science

In 1844, he first cracked the Salon with "Self-Portrait with Black Spaniel in a Landscape," in which a long-haired, tentatively haughty youth and his canine companion rest in view of a pretty valley.

The New Yorker

It was first cracked back in 1999 by a Norwegian programmer called Jon Lech Johansen, who showed, in a few short lines of elegant code called DeCSS, just how trivial such lauded protection systems really were.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The women first crack the shells with sharp stones.

The New York Times - Travel

Open image in new window Fig. 5 First cracking strength of each mixture.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

First crack your eggs and then beat the eggs with an egg beater or a fork.

WikiHow

Fifth, crack down on Congressional insider trading.

Huffington Post

There are generally two stages of crackling called first and second cracking.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "first cracked", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to a literal breakage or a figurative breakthrough, as the phrase can apply to both.

Common error

Avoid assuming a literal breakage when "first cracked" is used. The phrase often signifies an initial solution or understanding of a problem, not necessarily a physical crack or break. Context is vital for proper interpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first cracked" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by a verb in the past tense, indicating the initial instance of something being broken, solved, or revealed. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first cracked" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe the initial instance of something being broken, solved, or revealed. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It frequently appears in news and media sources, but is applicable across diverse contexts. While it can refer to literal breakage, it often signifies a figurative breakthrough, highlighting the importance of contextual understanding. Consider alternatives like "initially solved" or "initially breached" to fine-tune the meaning. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid misinterpreting its figurative potential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initially broken

Directly replaces "cracked" with a more general term for breaking, maintaining a similar meaning.

initially revealed

Focuses on the aspect of something being uncovered or disclosed for the first time.

initially solved

Focuses on the aspect of solving a problem or puzzle rather than breaking something.

initially breached

Implies a security or defensive barrier being broken through for the first time.

first discovered

Highlights the act of finding something out or uncovering it for the first time.

first compromised

Similar to breached, but specifically refers to a loss of integrity or security.

initially detected

Emphasizes the first instance of something being noticed or sensed.

first appeared

Shifts the focus to the initial emergence or manifestation of something, rather than a breakage.

first identified

Focuses on the initial act of recognizing or naming something.

first surfaced

Implies something previously hidden becoming known or visible for the first time.

FAQs

How can I use "first cracked" in a sentence?

You can use "first cracked" to describe when something was initially broken or solved. For example, "The code was "first cracked" by a student" or "The egg was "first cracked" before being cooked".

What are some alternatives to "first cracked"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "initially solved", "initially broken", or "first breached".

Is it appropriate to use "first cracked" in formal writing?

While "first cracked" is generally acceptable, in formal writing, consider using alternatives like "initially resolved" or "initially addressed" for a more professional tone.

Does "first cracked" always refer to something negative?

Not necessarily. While it can describe a literal breakage, it often refers to the initial solving of a problem or the revealing of a secret. The connotation depends on the context of the sentence.