full of cracks

USAGE SUMMARY

"full of cracks" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is damaged or flawed, either physically or metaphorically. Example: The old vase was full of cracks, with pieces missing from its once-smooth surface. Here, "full of cracks" is used to describe the physical state of the vase, indicating that it is damaged and no longer in perfect condition. Another example: Her argument was full of cracks, as she failed to provide any solid evidence to support her claims. In this sentence, "full of cracks" is used in a metaphorical sense to describe the flaws and weaknesses in the person's argument.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The lobby floor was full of cracks.

The New York Times

Full of cracks showing it is over 100 years old.

The New Yorker

The surface was full of cracks.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

Now full of cracks, holes and undulations, the green hardcourts are hardly a playground for the game's elite.

The New York Times - Sports

Other problems, discovered later, included a welding job so shoddy that it left underwater pipelines brittle and full of cracks.

The New York Times

Now full of cracks, holes and undulations, the green hardcourts are hardly a playground for the elite.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The neighborhood was full of crack dealers, and they were by no means his only neighbors.

The New York Times

"What I don't miss," Nessa says, "is walking through customs with a belly full of crack-filled condoms".

The New York Times - Arts

We hurtled around, cops with guns drawn, pushing suspects by the dozens against walls, and grabbing garbage bags full of crack vials.

The New York Times

Tiffany makes it look simple as he creates a moody, textured evening full of cracked hearts and an almost Chekhovian sadness at life's missed opportunities.

The Guardian

When my mother showed the cops her plastic bag full of crack vials that we picked up off the sidewalks around Washington Square, the cops looked at the residue and deduced that it couldn't be cocaine.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "full of cracks" to describe both physical objects and abstract concepts. For physical objects, it denotes visible damage and structural weakness. For abstract concepts, it suggests flaws or vulnerabilities in reasoning, plans, or systems.

Common error

While "full of cracks" is versatile, it may sound too informal in highly professional or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated vocabulary to convey the specific type of flaw or weakness you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full of cracks" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe its condition. It indicates that the noun is damaged, flawed, or imperfect. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe physical objects and abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

23%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "full of cracks" is a common and versatile expression used to describe something that is damaged, flawed, or imperfect, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans across various contexts, including physical objects and abstract concepts. The linguistic analysis reveals a neutral register, making it suitable for news and general writing, though perhaps less ideal for highly formal academic or scientific contexts. While synonymous alternatives exist, "full of cracks" remains a clear and effective way to convey the presence of flaws or vulnerabilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

riddled with imperfections

This alternative emphasizes the presence of many imperfections or flaws, similar to the idea of being "full of cracks".

fraught with vulnerabilities

This phrase suggests a high degree of susceptibility to harm or attack, akin to having many "cracks" in a protective structure.

blemished with defects

This alternative points out specific defects or blemishes, making it similar to being "full of cracks" in terms of having noticeable flaws.

impaired by weaknesses

This highlights the presence of weaknesses that diminish the effectiveness or integrity of something, like "cracks" that compromise a structure.

flawed by shortcomings

This phrase indicates that something has inherent shortcomings or faults, aligning with the concept of being "full of cracks".

compromised by faults

This suggests that something has been weakened or damaged by existing faults, similar to the weakening effect of "cracks".

damaged with fissures

This alternative replaces "cracks" with "fissures", both referring to breaks or splits in a material.

weakened by fractures

This phrase uses "fractures" instead of "cracks", emphasizing the structural weakness resulting from the breaks.

marred by imperfections

Similar to "riddled with imperfections", this option highlights that something is spoiled or damaged by flaws.

vulnerable due to flaws

This option underscores the susceptibility to harm or damage because of existing flaws, akin to the compromised integrity suggested by "full of cracks".

FAQs

How can I use "full of cracks" in a sentence?

You can use "full of cracks" to describe something that is damaged, flawed, or unstable. For example, "The old building was "full of cracks"" or "His argument was "full of cracks" and logical fallacies".

What are some synonyms for "full of cracks"?

Alternatives to "full of cracks" include "flawed", "defective", "imperfect", or "riddled with flaws", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "full of cracks" in formal writing?

While understandable, "full of cracks" may be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using more precise language to describe the specific nature of the flaws, such as "structurally unsound" or "logically inconsistent".

What is the difference between "full of cracks" and "full of holes"?

"Full of cracks" suggests narrow fissures or breaks, implying damage or instability. "Full of holes", on the other hand, indicates larger openings or gaps, suggesting incompleteness or permeability. The choice depends on the specific type of flaw you want to emphasize.