What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
crack
Example
The vase fell and cracked into several pieces. [cracked: past tense]
Example
I heard a loud crack of thunder during the storm. [crack: noun]
Example
She made a crack about his fashion sense that had everyone laughing. [crack: noun]
fissure
Example
The earthquake caused a large fissure in the ground. [fissure: noun]
Example
The wood had a long fissure running through it. [fissure: noun]
Example
The doctor diagnosed her with an anal fissure. [fissure: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Crack is more commonly used than fissure in everyday language, especially in the context of describing breaks in hard materials or sudden loud noises. Fissure is less common and often used in scientific or medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between crack and fissure?
Fissure is generally more formal than crack, as it is often used in scientific or medical contexts. However, crack can also be used in formal writing to describe breaks in materials or surfaces.
