a brief interruption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brief interruption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a short pause or break in an ongoing activity or conversation. Example: "During the meeting, there was a brief interruption when the fire alarm went off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

A Brief Interruption A streaker interrupted play on Court 14 during a doubles match between the teams of Anna Kournikova and Natasha Zvereva and Amy Frazier and Katie Schlukebir.

The New York Times - Sports

The interrupter technique measures changes in mouth pressure after a brief interruption of airflow at the mouth.

British Medical Journal

Yet this was a brief interruption in Swansea's dictation of the play.

The Guardian - Sport

He discovered it while on a trip to Spain with Chan, whom he has been dating, with a brief interruption, since 2003.

The New Yorker

After a brief interruption occasioned by the passing of other candidates ("Thanks, Barack…Thanks, Dennis"), she ended with an emphatic, "Our guys should talk".

The New Yorker

Zico played for Flamengo from 1971 to 1990, scoring 568 goals in 765 games, with only a brief interruption at Udinese in Italy.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

But also because if you talk with a Japanese individual and you tell him or her equities are the long-term asset of choice, since the Tokyo stock market today is about 70% or 75% below where it was 20 years ago, I mean, a bear market goes on for, with a few brief interruptions, it goes on for 20 years.

Forbes

After another brief interruption, a 23-over match commenced only 20 minutes before the cut-off time off 13 32.

BBC

It is based on the principle that the alveolar pressure and mouth pressure equilibrate within a few milliseconds of brief interruption of airflow.

British Medical Journal

With a few brief interruptions, he served as minister of defense under Karl Hjalmar Branting (1920 25) and Rickard Sandler (1925 26) and on Branting's death in 1925 became leader of the Social Democrat Party.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Despite brief interruption by a heckler, the prayer went off smoothly and was hailed by participants as a "testament of solidarity" between Christians and Muslims in the United States.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a brief interruption" to clearly indicate a short-lived pause, especially when the continuity of an activity or process is expected.

Common error

Avoid using "a brief interruption" in overly passive constructions that obscure the cause of the interruption. Instead, clarify what caused the interruption for clearer communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief interruption" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a temporary cessation or pause in an activity or process. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brief interruption" is a common phrase used to describe a short pause in an ongoing activity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness in various contexts, especially in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure the interruption is genuinely short; otherwise, consider alternatives like "a significant delay" or "a major disruption". Avoid passive constructions to keep your writing clear and concise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short break

Focuses on the brevity and temporary nature of the pause.

a momentary pause

Emphasizes the fleeting quality of the interruption.

a temporary suspension

Highlights the halting of an activity for a limited time.

a short recess

Suggests a formal or scheduled pause.

a fleeting disruption

Implies a disturbance that doesn't last long.

a passing intermission

Evokes a break between parts of a performance or event.

a quick hiatus

Highlights a temporary break or gap in continuity.

a slight delay

Focuses on the aspect of postponing or slowing down.

a minor setback

Emphasizes the negative impact of the interruption, though still brief.

a temporary lapse

Highlights a deviation or failure to maintain continuity.

FAQs

How can I use "a brief interruption" in a sentence?

You can use "a brief interruption" to describe a short pause in an activity. For example, "The meeting continued after "a brief interruption" caused by a phone call."

What are some alternatives to "a brief interruption"?

Some alternatives include "a short break", "a momentary pause", or "a temporary suspension", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a brief interruption" or "a short interruption"?

"A brief interruption" and "a short interruption" are largely interchangeable. "Brief" often implies something concise and to the point, while "short" refers to duration. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it inappropriate to use "a brief interruption"?

It may be inappropriate if the interruption is extended or significant. In such cases, phrases like "a lengthy delay" or "a major disruption" would be more accurate.