slight crack

USAGE SUMMARY

"slight crack" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It can be used to describe a crack that is minor in size, or that does not pose a major threat or issue. For example, "The footing around the foundation had a slight crack, which did not present any problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Straps wanting and a slight crack in one joint.

Yale University

It's clear that if there was a slight crack in confidence when we met in Japan, it's gone now.

The Guardian - Music

Initial slight crack tip blunting does not significantly change the behavior.

Acta Materialia

The panel prototype was a rectangle frame made of glass, with black plastic covering the periphery, and it had a slight crack on one of its edges.

The New York Times

This would have been bearable had I not been able to peep through a slight crack in the customs office door, a few moments later.

The New York Times

In the final three, Sampras was able to seize on a slight crack in Agassi's concentration, capitalizing on his mini-break chances to win.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

But there certainly seem to be some slight cracks in Trump's base.

The Washington Post

I have found services online that offer at least three types of "riveting" — without cracks, showing slight cracks, and healed but with cracks showing.

The New York Times

I looked at the black plastic sleeve at the base of that pipe and saw slight cracking on the shady side.

The New York Times

But by January 2000, with the dot-com bubble beginning to show slight cracks, Theglobe.com's quarterly losses were widening and its stock price had dropped to about $9.

The New York Times

In addition, the test results demonstrated that the proposed design relationships were arranged properly such that the cover plates were maintained in the elastic phase, only slight cracks appeared in the column, and plastic hinges were formed in the beams in the vicinity of the column.

Journal of Constructional Steel Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects, ensure that "slight crack" is accompanied by details about its location and potential impact on functionality or aesthetics. For example, "The vase had a slight crack near the base, but it was still usable."

Common error

Avoid using "slight crack" when the damage is significant. Using "slight" implies minimal damage, so choose a more appropriate description if the crack compromises the object's integrity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight crack" functions primarily as a noun phrase with an adjectival modifier. The adjective "slight" qualifies the noun "crack", indicating the degree or severity of the crack. Ludwig's examples show this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slight crack" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a minor fissure or fracture. As Ludwig AI confirms, its frequency is notable across contexts such as news, science, and general discussions. While the phrase is generally neutral, it's important to ensure that its use accurately reflects the severity of the damage to avoid misrepresentation. Remember to consider synonyms like "minor fracture" or "hairline crack" for more specific descriptions, and contextualize its use with additional details about the location and potential impact of the crack.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor fracture

Replaces "crack" with a more technical term, "fracture", while keeping the meaning of small severity.

small fissure

Uses "fissure" instead of "crack", suggesting a narrow opening.

tiny break

Emphasizes the small size of the crack using "tiny".

fine line

Implies a very thin crack, almost imperceptible.

hairline fracture

Specifically refers to a very thin crack, often in bones or materials.

superficial split

Highlights that the crack is only on the surface.

small imperfection

Broadens the term from a physical crack to a more general flaw.

minor separation

Replaces crack with "separation", focusing on the act of splitting slightly.

initial fracture

Highlights the crack as the beginning stage of breakage.

incipient crack

Uses a more formal term, "incipient", to indicate a crack in its early stage.

FAQs

How can I describe the potential impact of a "slight crack"?

You can specify if it poses a structural risk, affects appearance, or is merely cosmetic. For example, "a slight crack that doesn't compromise the integrity of the structure" or "a slight crack that's barely visible".

What are some synonyms for "slight" when describing a crack?

Alternatives include "minor crack", "small crack", "tiny crack", or "hairline crack", depending on the specific degree of the crack.

In what contexts is the term "slight crack" commonly used?

It's often used in describing damage to physical objects such as building materials, pottery, glass, or even in a metaphorical sense to describe vulnerabilities in systems or relationships. Ludwig AI provides real-world examples.

What's the difference between a "slight crack" and a "major crack"?

A "slight crack" indicates minimal damage and is unlikely to cause significant problems. A "major crack", on the other hand, suggests substantial damage that may require repair or replacement.