a slight interruption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight interruption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor or brief disruption in a conversation, event, or process. Example: "There was a slight interruption during the presentation when the projector malfunctioned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

To those on foot perusing the shops, crossing the expressway at Grand Avenue, which is on an overpass, amounts to only a slight interruption.

The New York Times

There's a slight interruption near the Twombly, though, in the form of Robert Rauschenberg's "Satellite" (1955), with its taxidermic pheasant and gory-looking paint.

The New York Times - Arts

After DAP, over 60% of surface features were grouped in type B and C, indicating a slight interruption of lignin coverage and higher crystalline cellulose accessibility.

Biotechnology for Biofuels

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In the scope of Harley's life, the doctor had told them, this will seem like a very slight interruption, and Lilli, of course, had been furious.

The New Yorker

A slight pause.

The New York Times - Sports

"Yeah," says Ainslie, after a slight pause.

Independent

Eliot noted the imperfect rhyme scheme – parade and said do not quite rhyme – as strongly contributing to this effect, with the slight interruption supporting the feel of a large number of men marching together, not quite in harmony.

Wikipedia

In 1628, a permanent military garrison was established which continued with slight interruptions until 1863.

Wikipedia

32 38 39 One showed a slight decrease in interruptions during intravenous push medication administration, but did not measure the statistical significance of this change.

BMJ Quality and Safety

The power from dams is also highly reliable, a critical factor for data centers, which can crash with the slightest interruption.

The New York Times - Tech

Both player and listener were frequently bumped, crushed and jostled, but the music played without the slightest interruption.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a slight interruption" to downplay the significance of a disruption, making it seem less impactful to the audience. This can be useful in presentations or reports where you want to maintain a smooth flow.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight interruption" when the disruption is significant or has a major impact. Choose a more appropriate phrase that accurately reflects the severity of the situation to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight interruption" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific instance of a disruption, emphasizing its minor nature. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a slight interruption" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase used to describe a minor disruption. Its communicative purpose is to downplay the impact of an event. While relatively rare in overall usage, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. Alternatives include phrases like "minor disruption" or "brief pause". When using this phrase, ensure that the interruption is indeed minor to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor disruption

Emphasizes the small scale and impact of the interruption.

brief pause

Highlights the temporary cessation of an activity or process.

short delay

Focuses on the aspect of time being briefly affected.

momentary pause

Underscores the fleeting nature of the interruption.

fleeting disruption

Combines the ideas of brevity and disturbance.

minor hiccup

An idiomatic way to describe a small problem or interruption.

small break

Highlights the idea of a brief separation or pause.

passing disturbance

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the disruption.

transient interruption

A more formal way of expressing a temporary disturbance.

brief suspension

Focuses on the temporary halting of an activity or process.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slight interruption" to describe a minor or brief disruption. For example, "The presentation experienced "a slight interruption" when the microphone malfunctioned".

What are some alternatives to saying "a slight interruption"?

Alternatives include "minor disruption", "brief pause", or "short delay". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a slight interruption"?

Yes, the phrase "a slight interruption" is grammatically sound. The article "a" correctly precedes the adjective "slight", and "interruption" is used as a noun.

What's the difference between "a slight interruption" and "a major disruption"?

"A slight interruption" indicates a minor and temporary disturbance, while "a major disruption" signifies a significant and potentially prolonged disturbance. The key difference lies in the scale and impact of the event.