little crack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little crack" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small fissure or opening in a surface or object. Example: "There was a little crack in the wall that needed to be repaired before the paint could be applied."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

"There's a little crack," she admitted, "but you can barely see it".

The New York Times

I knew the injury was bad because I heard a little crack when it happened".

Independent

And it's a team that just looks for a little crack.

The Guardian - Sport

"But even now, sometimes if there's a little crack, people have to look in.

The New York Times

The little crack house that could is still chugging along, right under everyone's nose.

The New York Times

"The little crack looks like it's in pretty good shape," Rick Dutrow said from Belmont Park.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

A little cracking is fine.

The New York Times - Food

I like that analogy of a plant that lives in little cracks in the street.

The Guardian

We wait for some slack between syllables — for little cracks in the great wall of talk — and shimmy in.

The New York Times

"I saw little cracks in the Lakers," Nuggets Coach George Karl said, "and somehow we've cemented those cracks back up.

The New York Times - Sports

"When a knife cuts into the plastic surface, little cracks radiate out from the cut," Professor Cliver said.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical imperfection, "little crack" is suitable. However, for abstract concepts, consider metaphors like "small opening" or "slight opportunity" for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "little crack" in professional or academic writing where a more formal term like "minor fissure" or "slight imperfection" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little crack" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "little" modifies the noun "crack". According to Ludwig, this construction is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Examples from Ludwig show it describing physical imperfections and metaphorical opportunities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "little crack" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase, often describing a small physical imperfection or a metaphorical opening. As per Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, though it tends to lean toward a neutral to informal register. While appropriate for general descriptions and news articles, more formal or scientific contexts may require more precise terminology. The most authoritative sources using this phrase include The New York Times and The Guardian, highlighting its prevalence in contemporary writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small fissure

Focuses on the physical aspect of a narrow opening or split.

thin fissure

Similar to small fissure, but highlights the aspect of the width.

minor fracture

Implies a slight break or rupture in a material.

tiny opening

Emphasizes the size of the aperture.

slight split

Highlights the act of something separating or dividing.

negligible crack

Highlights the fact that the crack is small and probably not relevant.

narrow gap

Indicates a space between two things that is not wide.

superficial crack

Highlights the fact that the crack is on the surface and probably not relevant.

minute crevice

Suggests a small, narrow indentation or fissure.

small chink

Emphasizes a small opening or gap allowing light or air to pass through.

FAQs

How can I use "little crack" in a sentence?

You can use "little crack" to describe a small fissure in a surface or object. For example: "There was a "little crack" in the wall that needed repair."

What can I say instead of "little crack"?

You can use alternatives like "small fissure", "minor fracture", or "tiny opening" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "little crack"?

It is appropriate to use "little crack" in informal contexts or when describing physical imperfections. More formal situations may require terms like "minor fissure".

Is "little crack" always literal, or can it be used metaphorically?

"Little crack" can be used metaphorically to represent a small opportunity or weakness. For example, "They are looking for a "little crack" in the market to exploit".