fissure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fissure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a narrow opening or crack, often in a physical context, but can also be used metaphorically to indicate a division or disagreement. Example: "The earthquake caused a fissure in the ground that was several feet deep."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The route between Klemensker and Rø takes you down a narrow fissure valley between steep cliffs.

The Guardian - Travel

The report found that CIA leadership was notified that rectal exams may have been conducted with "Excessive force", and that one of the detainees, Mustafa al-Hawsawi, suffered from an anal fissure, chronic hemorrhoids and symptomatic rectal prolapse.

The Guardian

The Conservative leader sacked Powell, and thus opened up a fissure in his party which persisted.

The Guardian

As competition between the two sides becomes more desperate, the risk of a permanent fissure is growing.

The Economist

But the Sino-Japanese fissure runs much deeper still.

The Economist

Posters have been appearing on walls, warning ominously against fitna, an Arabic word for division that has sectarian overtones.But the biggest fissure, and a chief cause of the unrest now roiling the country, is between haves and have-nots rather than religious or ethnic groups.

The Economist

One of the interesting things about fiction since 2001 is that the event was such a fissure in the history of the world that it dates books in a particular way it is immediately clear whether a book is set before or after 2001.

The Economist

Toqueville pointed out in the 1830s that the tenuousness and distance of government in America required men to do many community jobs for themselves; and, although government seems now to have become all-embracing, creeping into every fissure of life, many Americans still like to think that they can help the community by their own efforts when the need arises.

The Economist

Third, the constitutional reform opened up a fissure between authoritarians and democrats in the chavista camp.Mr Chávez faces a choice: move quickly to a command economy, or to more sustainable policies.

The Economist

A businessman involved says simply: "They are raping Maharashtra .A second problem is a fissure between the big cities and the countryside.

The Economist

American poetry had begun to fissure into a rainbow coalition of voices gender poetry, post-modern, native-American.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical landscapes or geological formations, use "fissure" to denote a narrow crack or opening. For abstract concepts, consider alternatives like "division" or "rift" for greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "fissure" in purely abstract or metaphorical contexts where simpler words like "division" or "split" would be more appropriate. Using "fissure" in those contexts may sound unnatural or overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fissure" is as a noun, referring to a crack, split, or division. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples across various domains. It can also function as a verb, meaning 'to split forming fissures'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fissure" functions primarily as a noun to describe a crack or division, both literally and figuratively. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used, especially in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science. While versatile, avoid overusing "fissure" in overly abstract contexts, where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. When in doubt, consider context to determine the best fit. "Crack", "split", and "division" can often serve as effective substitutes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crack

A simpler, more general term for a break or split.

split

Indicates a division or separation, often less precise than "fissure".

crevice

A narrow opening or crack, typically in a rock or wall.

cleft

A split or indentation, often referring to a division in land.

fracture

A break, especially in a bone or other hard substance.

gap

A space or interval, suggesting a discontinuity.

breach

A break or rupture, often implying a violation of something.

rupture

A sudden break or burst, suggesting a forceful separation.

division

A separation into parts or groups, used more abstractly.

rift

A serious break in friendly relations.

FAQs

How can I use "fissure" in a sentence?

You can use "fissure" to describe a crack in the earth, such as "The earthquake created a large "fissure" in the ground". It can also be used metaphorically, like "A "fissure" developed between the two political parties".

What can I say instead of "fissure"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "crack", "split", "crevice", or "division".

Which is correct, "fissure" or "fracture"?

Both ""fissure"" and "fracture" refer to breaks, but ""fissure"" typically describes a long, narrow opening, while "fracture" usually implies a more forceful break, especially in a solid material like bone.

What's the difference between "fissure" and "cleft"?

A ""fissure"" is a narrow opening or crack, whereas a "cleft" is a split or indentation, often naturally occurring, and can be wider than a "fissure".