small fissure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small fissure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor crack or opening in a surface, often in geological or structural contexts. Example: "The geologist noted a small fissure in the rock formation that could indicate seismic activity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

As though the removal of his chest tube left us with a small fissure down to that inner core.

The New York Times

Time has proven that Gascoigne's behaviour in Turin was not borne of juvenile petulance but the result of one small fissure in a fractured mind.

The Guardian - Sport

Animal Kingdom was initially found to have a small fissure in that hind leg in the days after a sixth-place finish in the Belmont Stakes.

The New York Times - Sports

Hillary's cookie blunder was also striking in that — in its all too evident expression of disdain — it created a small fissure in the façade she had created over the years.

The New Yorker

And she admits to a small fissure in the conviction of her jumper -- "a little bit; you start thinking twice" -- but says she always believes her next shot will fall.

The New York Times - Sports

"If we're talking about intentional disposal, we're talking about creatures with a brain the size of a gorilla's going deep into a cave, into the dark, and posting bodies through a small fissure into this cave chamber.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Anyway, a few small fissures are beginning to appear in the stone wall.

The New Yorker

In people with eczema on their hands, small fissures in the skin can serve as entry points for infection, and hand washing can exacerbate dryness.

The New York Times

Hydraulic fracturing – fracking – is the process by which dense shale rocks are blasted with water and chemicals under huge pressure, to open up small fissures through which the bubbles of methane trapped within can escape.

The Guardian

Two insiders had said Kyphon, which Medtronic acquired in 2007, improperly persuaded hospitals to keep people overnight for a simple outpatient procedure to repair small fissures of the spine.

The New York Times

Any small fissures in NATO's otherwise solid front encourage Mr Milosevic to sit tight, rather than sue for peace.The unthinkable is, alas, unavoidableThe allies need to do two things.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects or geological formations, use "small fissure" to denote a minor crack or opening. Ensure the context clearly indicates the object or formation being described.

Common error

Avoid using "small fissure" to describe major structural damage. The term implies a minor imperfection, not a significant flaw.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small fissure" functions as a noun phrase where "small" modifies the noun "fissure". It describes a minor imperfection or opening in a surface. Ludwig examples show its use in geological and structural contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small fissure" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term to describe a minor crack or opening, particularly in scientific, technical, and news-related contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, its primary function is descriptive, serving to identify and characterize minor imperfections. While versatile, it's crucial to avoid using it when describing significant structural damage to prevent misrepresentation. Alternatives like "minor crack" or "tiny fracture" can be used depending on the desired level of formality and the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor crack

Replaces "fissure" with a more common term for a crack.

tiny fracture

Uses a more technical term for a break or crack.

slight crevice

Emphasizes the narrowness of the opening.

minute split

Highlights the small size and nature of the separation.

narrow cleft

Focuses on the elongated shape of the opening.

fine line

Describes the fissure as a thin mark or crack.

hairline fracture

Specifically refers to a very thin and often barely visible break.

superficial crack

Highlights that the crack is only on the surface.

insignificant rupture

Emphasizes the lack of importance of the break.

shallow break

Highlights that the depth of the break is not significant.

FAQs

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

You can use "small fissure" to describe a minor crack or opening in a surface. For instance, "The geologist noted a small fissure in the rock." or "The engineer discovered a small fissure in the bridge support."

What's a good alternative to "small fissure"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "minor crack", "tiny fracture", or "slight crevice".

Is "small fissure" a technical term?

While "fissure" itself can be a technical term in geology or engineering, "small fissure" is a more general descriptive phrase. Technical contexts might prefer more precise terms like "hairline fracture" depending on the nature of the crack.

When is it inappropriate to use "small fissure"?

It's best to avoid using "small fissure" when describing large or significant structural failures. This phrase implies a minor imperfection, not a major defect.