break in the flow

USAGE SUMMARY

'break in the flow' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about interrupting a smooth sequence of events. For example, "The interruption caused by the power outage was a major break in the flow of the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Figure 1 shows a break in the flow of saving as it passes into investment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Repeatedly, she falls to the floor and springs up with no break in the flow except when she exits, hands piously clasped.

The New York Times - Arts

Analysts have said that strengthening the United States' insurance against a break in the flow of oil from the Persian Gulf region gained urgency when the strikes on Afghanistan began.

The New York Times

In the 1630s and '40s China's most-commercialized regions, the Yangtze River delta and the southeast coast, suffered an acute economic depression brought on by a sharp break in the flow of silver entering ports through foreign trade from Acapulco Mexicoo), Malacca, and Japan.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Because of the need to put the compromise into legislative form, Congressional leaders said the House and Senate would vote overnight to pass a stopgap measure financing the government through Thursday to prevent any break in the flow of federal dollars.

The New York Times

The U.S., observers say, wants to strengthen its position in the event of a break in the flow of oil from the Persian Gulf region.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Although sometimes referred to as a movement, Rimpa was really a style or sensibility passed on, with breaks in the flow, throughout the Edo period (1615-1868) and into the 20th century.

The New York Times - Arts

However, the methods of communication were often indirect, sometimes with complete breaks in the flow of information between key participants.

BMC Health Services Research

Resource nurses played a key role in identifying breaks in the flow of information that might exclude participants, such as the critical care physician from involvement in the decision making process.

BMC Health Services Research

These diagrams can be visually examined to describe the structure of the network, including the density of relationships between network members and the presence of holes or disconnects, which indicate potential breaks in the flow of information.

BMC Health Services Research

One such critical control is to periodically make a clean break in production stopping the flow of ground meat in processing, for example, and cleaning the equipment.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "break in the flow", ensure the context clearly defines what 'flow' refers to, whether it's a process, conversation, or sequence of events. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the writing.

Common error

Avoid using "break in the flow" in overly simple sentences where a more direct word like 'interruption' or 'pause' would be more impactful. Choose the most precise word for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break in the flow" functions as a noun phrase describing an interruption or disruption. It references a moment where a continuous process or sequence is halted. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "break in the flow" denotes an interruption or disruption in a continuous process or sequence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. While primarily found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science-related articles, it maintains a neutral register. Remember to ensure contextual clarity when using this phrase, specifying the nature of the 'flow' being interrupted. Alternatives such as "disruption of continuity" or "halt in the sequence" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance intended. Avoid overuse in simple sentences for a more impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discontinuity in process

This stresses the lack of smooth transition or connection within a procedure.

disruption of continuity

This phrase focuses on the disturbance of an uninterrupted state.

pause in the continuum

This alternative points to a temporary stop within something that is continuous.

interruption in progress

This alternative emphasizes the halting of an ongoing action or development.

hiatus in progression

This emphasizes a gap or pause in forward movement.

halt in the sequence

This denotes a cessation within a series of events.

disturbance in the stream

This alternative suggests an agitation affecting a continuous flow.

fracture in the momentum

This suggests a weakening or splitting of an impetus.

cessation of movement

This alternative highlights the stopping of physical motion or progress.

intermission in the current

This indicates a temporary cessation within a prevailing trend or force.

FAQs

How can I use "break in the flow" in a sentence?

You can use "break in the flow" to describe an interruption or disruption in a process, sequence, or activity. For example: "The unexpected question caused a "break in the flow" of the presentation."

What are some alternatives to "break in the flow"?

Alternatives include "interruption in progress", "disruption of continuity", or "halt in the sequence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "break in the flow"?

Yes, "break in the flow" is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts to describe an interruption or discontinuity.

What does "break in the flow" mean in a business context?

In a business context, "break in the flow" might refer to a disruption in a project's timeline, a supply chain interruption, or a pause in a business process. For instance, "The software update caused a "break in the flow" of our daily operations."