break in the stream

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break in the stream" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an interruption or pause in a continuous flow, whether literal or metaphorical, such as in conversation or thought. Example: "There was a noticeable break in the stream of conversation when the topic shifted unexpectedly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A soaring leap is followed by a luscious plié and delicately precise footwork: the steps pour out, without a break in the stream.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sera is by far the most fully developed character, largely because she suffers from Remnants — severe bouts of déjà vu caused by the Breaks in the time stream.

The New York Times - Books

You don't want to cause any breaks or sputters in the stream.

WikiHow

In better words, the researcher broke the stream of actions in the middle or whenever deemed appropriate, challenged the existing perplexities in order to guide the subjects to formulate their hypotheses and guesses, to brainstorm, and to discuss how their thinking processes have worked to change their pre-existing ideas.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

Death is simply a break in our linear stream of consciousness.

Huffington Post

In the stream.

TechCrunch

They'll include unique camera angles optimized for mobile viewing, and may include ad tests, like putting ad breaks in the middle of streams, says The WSJ.

TechCrunch

Millions of people watch Twitch streamers who take bathroom breaks in the middle of their streams without logging off, and continue watching an empty chair while they do.

Vice

Easy dominance in the streaming media sector.

Forbes

On the other hand, if the available transmission data rate is below the data generation rate at the source application, the target application will show loss of data, e.g., breaks in audio/video streaming.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

In each hemisphere, both upper-level jet streams form near breaks in the tropopause, which is at a higher altitude near the equator than it is over the poles, with large changes in its height occurring near the location of the jet stream.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "break in the stream" when you want to emphasize a clear interruption or pause in something that is otherwise continuous, be it a physical flow or an abstract concept like time or thought.

Common error

While grammatically correct, avoid using "break in the stream" in very casual conversations where simpler terms like "pause" or "interruption" would be more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break in the stream" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes an interruption or discontinuity within a continuous flow, whether literal (like a stream of water) or figurative (like a stream of consciousness). Ludwig confirms the phrase's usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Academia

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "break in the stream" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe an interruption in a continuous flow, whether literal or metaphorical. As confirmed by Ludwig, it finds application across various contexts including News & Media, Wiki and Science, and is most appropriate for neutral to professional registers. While alternative phrases like "interruption in the flow" or "pause in the current" may be more suitable in specific situations, "break in the stream" effectively conveys the idea of a disruption. Remember to avoid overusing it in very informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

break in continuity

Highlights the lack of uninterrupted progression.

interruption in the flow

Focuses on the interruption aspect, suitable when the disruption is the main point.

pause in the current

Emphasizes a temporary cessation, fitting when the flow is expected to resume.

disruption of the continuum

More formal, highlighting the breaking of a continuous sequence.

interference with the progression

Highlights that the stream suffers from an unwanted or external element that alters its ongoing nature.

gap in the sequence

Implies a missing element or a space within an ordered series.

discontinuity in the thread

Relevant for more narrative or abstract concepts; like a story or train of thought.

hiccup in the process

Suggests a minor and temporary problem in an ongoing activity.

stoppage in the transmission

More relevant when a resource or information is being passed between places.

lapse in the timeline

Focuses on time-related sequences and brief discontinuities.

FAQs

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

You can use "break in the stream" to describe an interruption in a flow of thought, conversation, or even a physical process. For example: "There was a noticeable "break in the stream" of conversation when the topic shifted unexpectedly."

What's a more formal alternative to "break in the stream"?

A more formal alternative could be "interruption in continuity", which emphasizes the disruption of something ongoing.

Is "break in the stream" the same as "interruption"?

While similar, "break in the stream" often implies that the interruption is within something flowing or continuous. "Interruption" is a broader term and doesn't necessarily suggest a flowing context.

What can I say instead of "break in the stream" when talking about time?

When referring to time, you might use "gap in the timeline" or "lapse in the timeline" to indicate a pause or missing segment.