Cool MateCrack vs Shatter
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Crack
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Shatter
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
Most common: Crack
| Crack | Shatter | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kræk/","/kræks/","/krækt/","/ˈkrækɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kræk/","/kræks/","/krækt/","/ˈkrækɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈʃætə(r)/","/ˈʃætəz/","/ˈʃætəd/","/ˈʃætərɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈʃætər/","/ˈʃætərz/","/ˈʃætərd/","/ˈʃætərɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | to break something into pieces or make a sound like a break | To break something into many small pieces. |
| Example | He tried to crack the safe but was unsuccessful. | The glass fell from the table and shattered into a thousand tiny pieces. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | hard, crack under the pressure, crack under the strain, show signs of cracking, on | completely, into, shatter (something) into pieces, completely, abruptly, instantly |
| Antonyms | fix, repair, join | join, repair, unite |
| Common mistakes | Using 'crack' with non-physical objects incorrectly, like 'crack a thought.', Confusing 'crack' with 'break' in certain contexts., Using 'cracked' instead of 'crack' for the present tense. | Using 'shatter' with living things, which is not appropriate., Confusing 'shatter' with 'break', since 'shatter' implies more violence., Using 'shattered' incorrectly as a noun. |
| Usage notes | Use 'crack' when referring to breaking physical objects or when discussing solving puzzles or codes. It's neutral and appropriate in most contexts, both formal and informal. | Use 'shatter' when talking about glass or similar materials breaking. Avoid using it for things that break in a less dramatic way, like paper. |
Frequently asked questions: Crack vs Shatter
What's the difference between Crack and Shatter?
Crack: to break something into pieces or make a sound like a break Shatter: To break something into many small pieces.
Which is more common: Crack and Shatter?
Crack is the most common in everyday English.
Are Crack and Shatter the same CEFR level?
Crack: B2, Shatter: C1 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Crack and Shatter interchangeably?
Not always. Crack and Shatter are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.