a significant disruption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant disruption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or situation that causes considerable disturbance or interruption in a process or system. Example: "The recent storm caused a significant disruption to public transportation services across the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The permit noted that the event would be canceled if it caused a significant disruption.

The New York Times

"It is a significant disruption," said Steve Lott, a spokesman for the air transport association.

The New York Times

"It'll now clearly be after the first of the year, and it's causing a significant disruption of our ability to function.

The New York Times

But those countries produce 18percentt of the world's oil, and a significant disruption in their output would set off price spikes, if not outright shortages.

The New York Times

So the building of a rudimentary system of sisterns and pipes -- a baby step toward modernity -- represented a significant disruption of traditional Ibatan culture.

The New York Times - Magazine

This has lowered consumption and output, and lower levels of production have caused a significant disruption in U.S. labor markets.

The New York Times

[C4.] Travel Industry Copes With War Although the war in Iraq is a significant disruption for the travel industry, online travel services may have much less to fear than their conventional counterparts.

The New York Times

The morning protest was broken up following a mass arrest that police conducted around 11 A.M. on L Street, but others continued for hours afterward, causing a significant disruption in the city.

The New Yorker

Results Comatose patients showed a significant disruption of functional connectivity of brain areas spontaneously synchronized with PCC, globally notwithstanding etiology.

Annals of Intensive Care

Complications from Sjögren's syndrome-induced xerostomia may cause a significant disruption in daily routines such as speech and eating habits.

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology

The recipients of such demand letters are typically unsophisticated in patent matters, and the receipt of such a letter can cause a significant disruption.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant disruption", consider the context to determine if a more specific term would be more appropriate. For instance, "interruption" might be better for a temporary halt, while "upheaval" suggests a more radical change.

Common error

Avoid using "significant" as a generic intensifier. Ensure that the disruption truly warrants the adjective, as overuse can dilute the impact of the statement. If the disruption is minor, choose a more appropriate descriptor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant disruption" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It identifies and describes a disturbance or interruption that is of considerable importance or impact. Ludwig AI validates this use through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant disruption" is a noun phrase used to describe an event or situation causing considerable disturbance or interruption. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and highly versatile, fitting various contexts from science and news to business. While "significant" emphasizes the importance of the disruption, consider using alternatives like "a major disturbance" or "a substantial interruption" to fine-tune your meaning. Avoid overusing "significant" generically; ensure the disruption warrants the descriptor for maximum impact. This phrase is very common across a variety of sources, so writers can use it with confidence. Remember to analyze each context so you can be as precise as possible, replacing the phrase with one of the alternatives if the communication requires it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major disturbance

Emphasizes the level of disturbance caused, focusing on its magnitude.

a substantial interruption

Highlights the break in continuity or flow, stressing its considerable impact.

a considerable disturbance

Similar to major disturbance, but may imply a broader range of impacts.

a marked disturbance

Implies that the disruption is easily noticeable or distinct.

a notable interruption

Indicates that the interruption is worthy of attention or is significant in its context.

a severe upheaval

Suggests a dramatic and often sudden change or disruption, implying chaos.

a profound disturbance

Emphasizes the depth and extent to which something is disturbed.

a serious setback

Focuses on the negative impact of the disruption, specifically as it relates to progress.

a critical impediment

Highlights the hindering or obstructive nature of the disruption, indicating a significant obstacle.

a fundamental alteration

Suggests the disruption causes a basic or essential change in something.

FAQs

How can I use "a significant disruption" in a sentence?

You can use "a significant disruption" to describe events that cause a considerable disturbance. For example, "The pandemic caused a significant disruption to global supply chains."

What are some alternatives to "a significant disruption"?

You can use alternatives like "a major disturbance", "a substantial interruption", or "a considerable disturbance" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "significant disruption" or "major disruption"?

Both "significant disruption" and "major disruption" are correct. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. "Significant" implies importance, while "major" implies scale. Consider which aspect you want to emphasize.

What's the difference between "a disruption" and "a significant disruption"?

"A disruption" refers to any disturbance, while "a significant disruption" indicates a disturbance that is notably important or consequential. The addition of "significant" emphasizes the impact of the disruption.