a quick interruption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a quick interruption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a brief pause or break in a conversation or activity. Example: "I apologize for the delay, but I need to make a quick interruption to address an important point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Just a quick interruption to see whether y'all know if TCEQ/Texas is planning on petitioning on DC Circuit Court review of the endangerment finding?" wrote Eric Groten, a lawyer at Vinson & Elkins, referring to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in a Dec. 30, 2009, e-mail to a commission official.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Having declared the theatre open, the town provost does a quick cha-cha-cha with Widow Twankey and, after the interruption of a first-night fire alarm, the real firefighters carry the actors back on to the stage.

The Guardian

I wanted to write a quick note to all the GC users and apologize for the service interruption this morning.

TechCrunch

There was plenty do outside the hotel, but the daily routine was too much fun to permit many interruptions: two fabulous buffet meals, beach volleyball, and swimming in the clear Aegean sea, all a quick walk from our room.

The Guardian - Travel

Moreover, a quick reaction to changes is necessary, taking into account the significant amount of indirect costs involved in the derived interruptions.

Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing

While we anticipate no interruption in service as a result of the work, we cannot entirely rule out brief periods of intermittent connectivity as network traffic adjusts, or a quick restart of services on some Blackboard systems if warranted.

Cornell University

A quick rinse?

The New York Times

Just a quick note.

The New York Times

A quick experiment.

The New York Times - Science

A quick study.

The New York Times

Just a quick word.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a quick interruption", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the pause and that it's genuinely brief to avoid frustrating the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a quick interruption" repeatedly in a short span, as it can become repetitive and diminish the impact of each individual interruption. Consider alternative phrases or simply proceeding without explicitly announcing every pause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a quick interruption" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as an introductory remark to signal a short deviation from the main topic or activity. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a quick interruption" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that serves to signal a brief pause or deviation. Ludwig confirms its validity. While not extremely common, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using the phrase, ensure the interruption is indeed brief to avoid disrupting the flow and consider the context to make sure the level of formality is appropriate. Alternative phrases like "a brief pause" or "a short break" can be used for similar effect. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief pause

Focuses on the temporary nature of the break, emphasizing brevity and silence.

a short break

Highlights the shortness of the break in activity.

a momentary disruption

Emphasizes the temporary disturbance caused.

a fleeting interruption

Stresses the transient nature of the interruption.

a slight disturbance

Underscores the minor impact of the interruption.

a passing interruption

Highlights that the interruption is temporary and will soon be over.

a minor delay

Focuses on the aspect of delaying the main activity.

a brief intrusion

Emphasizes the act of entering without invitation or welcome.

a short suspension

Highlights the aspect of temporarily stopping an activity.

a momentary hiatus

Stresses a short and defined break in an activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a quick interruption" to preface a brief pause in a conversation or activity. For example, "Just "a quick interruption" to address this point."

What are some alternatives to "a quick interruption"?

Alternatives include "a brief pause", "a short break", or "a momentary disruption", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a quick interruption" in formal writing?

While usable, it's generally more appropriate for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "a brief suspension" or "a short hiatus" to convey a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "a quick interruption" and "a brief interruption"?

The terms are largely interchangeable. "Quick" emphasizes speed, while "brief" emphasizes shortness in duration. The choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight, although they're often used synonymously.