they were cracking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were cracking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone laughing or breaking into laughter, often in response to something funny or amusing. Example: "As the comedian delivered his punchline, they were cracking up in the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

They were cracking up.

The New York Times

Actually, a lot of the time, they were cracking up.

The New York Times

"We realised they were cracking up," Löw said.

The Guardian - Sport

Instead they were cracking wise, mocking themselves and wondering how their fans could stand their speaking voices.

The New York Times - Arts

Mad Men captures the conformity, the materialism, the reactionary sexual politics, yet it also conjures up the style, the excitement, the newness that affluent 1950s-60s Amembracedevenaced even while they were cracking up.

Independent

"They were cracking the whip on the chaebols and forcing the chaebols to whittle down their borrowings -- that was a good change," said Hank Morris, a director with IRC Ltd., a business consulting group.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

American rules on accounting and auditing are clearly not all they were cracked up to be.

The Economist

"We always knew these Islamists weren't all they were cracked up to be.

The New York Times

Grandly named Herald Square and Greeley Square, they were cracked slabs set in the midst of cacophonous traffic.

The New York Times

He pointed to other tombs built in grief and haste and how they were cracked and crumbling.

The New York Times - Sports

They were cracked and yellow an old woman's feet––but they seemed invested with the utmost significance.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were cracking" to vividly describe a group's reaction to something humorous, emphasizing the intensity and suddenness of their laughter. It suggests a more animated response than simply "they were laughing".

Common error

Avoid using "they were cracking" when describing a gradual or subtle reaction. This phrase implies a sudden and often boisterous response. For more subdued reactions, use phrases like "they were smiling" or "they were amused".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "they were cracking" is as a verb phrase, specifically a verb in the past continuous tense. It describes an ongoing action in the past, indicating that someone was in the process of "cracking up", which often refers to laughing uncontrollably or breaking under pressure. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were cracking" is a versatile verb phrase generally employed to describe a group's reaction, typically in the context of laughter or the act of enforcing certain regulation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in News & Media. While direct alternatives like "they were laughing" exist, "they were cracking" adds a layer of intensity. Understanding the subtle differences between this phrase and related options can enhance the precision and impact of your writing. Always consider context to ensure that you use the phrase appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were laughing

Focuses directly on the act of laughing, omitting the intensity or manner.

they were bursting out laughing

Emphasizes the sudden and forceful nature of the laughter.

they were falling about with laughter

Highlights the physical reaction and uncontrolled nature of the laughter.

they were enforcing

Shifts the meaning to the act of enforcing rules or laws.

they were implementing

Similar to enforcing, but suggests a more planned or systematic approach.

they were disintegrating

Changes the context to describe something falling apart or losing cohesion.

they were breaking down

Implies a collapse, either emotional or structural.

they were succumbing to pressure

Focuses on the inability to withstand external forces.

they were giving way

Suggests a yielding or collapsing under a load or strain.

they were yielding

A more generic term for giving in or submitting.

FAQs

How can I use "they were cracking" in a sentence?

You can use "they were cracking" to describe a group's reaction to something funny, for example: "As soon as he told the joke, "they were cracking" up with laughter".

What are some alternatives to "they were cracking" when describing laughter?

Alternatives include "they were laughing", "they were bursting out laughing", or "they were falling about with laughter", each conveying a slightly different degree of amusement.

When is it appropriate to use "they were cracking down" instead of "they were cracking"?

"They were cracking down" is used when describing enforcement actions. For example, "The police said that "they were cracking down" on every form of crime". In contrast, "they were cracking" generally refers to laughter or something breaking.

How does "they were cracking" differ from "they were breaking"?

"They were cracking" often describes a sudden and intense reaction of laughter or something physically developing cracks, while "they were breaking" indicates a process of disintegrating or collapsing, either physically or emotionally. The phrase "they were breaking down" often carries a negative connotation.