small crack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small crack" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor fissure or break in a surface, such as a wall, glass, or other materials. Example: "There was a small crack in the window that needed to be repaired before the winter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(7) Self-healing of small crack widths reduced the water permeability and corrosion of steel in cracked concrete.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

Self-healing of small crack widths reduced the water permeability and corrosion of steel in cracked concrete.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

They slipped a wire through the small crack below.

The New York Times

He hit Jeter on the left brim of the helmet, causing a small crack.

The New York Times - Sports

The Mariana trench is not a small crack in the ocean floor.

The Guardian

It was a small crack in a routine that sets my life every day.

The New Yorker

Showalter said an X-ray revealed a "small crack" in a bone on the outer part of Guerrero's hand.

The New York Times - Sports

That sound you heard wasn't glass breaking it was just the creak of a small crack slowly spreading.

The Guardian

A small crack was found in the casing that allowed bacteria-carrying surface water to run into the well.

The New York Times

Early that morning, he had had a good run, despite a small crack in his left-front hoof.

The New Yorker

Secret Beach, on Matinloc Island, can only be reached by snorkelling through a small crack in the limestone walls.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing damage or wear, use "small crack" to convey a minor level of imperfection that might not immediately compromise structural integrity.

Common error

Avoid using "small crack" when the damage is more significant. If the crack is wide, deep, or structurally threatening, use terms like "major fracture" or "significant rupture" instead to accurately reflect the severity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small crack" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "small" modifies the noun "crack". It describes a type of physical imperfection, as seen in Ludwig's examples like "a small crack in the limestone walls" or "a small crack in the outer part of Guerrero's hand".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

44%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "small crack" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a minor imperfection or fissure. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its widespread use across diverse fields like news, science, and general conversation. While "small crack" is generally acceptable, it's important to consider alternatives such as "tiny fissure" or "minor fracture" for greater precision. Use the term judiciously, ensuring it accurately reflects the scale of the damage being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tiny fissure

Focuses on the narrowness and depth of the opening.

minor fracture

Emphasizes the breaking or splitting aspect.

slight split

Highlights the division or separation is minimal.

narrow crevice

Stresses the depth and confined space of the crack.

fine line

Implies a very thin and subtle crack.

hairline fracture

Specifically refers to a very thin and barely visible break.

minute breach

Highlights a small opening or break in something.

shallow rupture

Indicates a break that is not deep or extensive.

superficial crack

Emphasizes that the crack only affects the surface.

little break

Uses a more informal and general term for a small fracture.

FAQs

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

You can use "small crack" to describe a minor imperfection in various materials. For example, "There was a "small crack" in the window" or "The wall had a "small crack" after the earthquake".

What are some alternatives to "small crack"?

Alternatives include "tiny fissure", "minor fracture", or "slight split", depending on the context and the nature of the crack.

Is it appropriate to use "small crack" in formal writing?

Yes, "small crack" is appropriate in formal writing when accurately describing a minor imperfection. However, ensure the term fits the overall tone and technical level of the writing; more precise terms might be preferable in some scientific or engineering contexts.

What's the difference between "small crack" and "large crack"?

A "small crack" indicates a minor, often superficial imperfection, while a "large crack" implies a significant structural issue that may compromise integrity. The choice depends on the actual size and impact of the crack.