disrupted the flow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disrupted the flow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something interrupts or disturbs a smooth process or sequence. Example: "The unexpected announcement disrupted the flow of the meeting, causing confusion among the participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Experiment(s) disrupted the flow of the class.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In Game 1, the Rockers outrebounded the Liberty by 12 and disrupted the flow of the Liberty's offense.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Rodgers, 59, is a serious talker; leaving the table would have disrupted the flow.

The New York Times

It would have been preferable to wait until the end of the program, however, as the interruption disrupted the flow of the concert.

The New York Times - Arts

The border-crossing slowdown disrupted the flow of cargo including shipments of raw materials to the maquila plants in Mexico and shipments back as finished products.

The New York Times

In hindsight, Manuel said the World Baseball Classic disrupted the flow of players like David Wright, Carlos Beltran, Delgado and Reyes.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Poems disrupt the flow of reading.

Cornell University

A woman would disrupt the flow of their lives".

The Guardian - Film

Only 'God', the misplaced spoken word track, disrupts the flow.

The Guardian - Music

"It really disrupts the flow of my workday".

The New York Times

Governments in the region are taking action to stem and disrupt the flow of drugs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates what the 'flow' refers to. Be specific to enhance clarity and prevent ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "disrupted the flow" when a minor inconvenience occurred. Reserve this phrase for instances where the interruption significantly impacted the process or sequence. For smaller issues, consider using "slightly altered" or "briefly paused".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disrupted the flow" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as the predicate of a clause. It describes an action that interrupts or disturbs a continuous process or sequence. Ludwig provides examples across varied contexts, reflecting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

21%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "disrupted the flow" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the interruption or disturbance of a continuous process or sequence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, academic, and scientific sources, indicating a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. While alternatives such as "interrupted the course" or "hindered the process" exist, "disrupted the flow" is a common and effective way to convey the idea of an action negatively affecting a smooth progression. Be mindful of the scope of the disruption when using this phrase to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interrupted the course

Focuses on the interruption of a planned sequence, suggesting a temporary halt or deviation.

disturbed the progression

Emphasizes the disturbance of a forward movement, implying a negative impact on the development.

hindered the process

Highlights the impedance or obstruction of a systematic action, suggesting difficulty in achieving the desired outcome.

impeded the progress

Similar to 'hindered the process', but focuses on the advancement towards a goal.

derailed the momentum

Implies a sudden and significant disruption, causing a loss of forward drive.

broke the rhythm

Highlights the disturbance of a pattern or beat, often used in creative or aesthetic contexts.

stalled the advancement

Indicates a halting or slowing down of progress, suggesting a more prolonged interruption.

threw a wrench in the works

An idiomatic expression suggesting a sudden and unexpected disruption caused by an external factor.

brought things to a standstill

Suggests a complete cessation of activity, emphasizing the severity of the interruption.

upset the apple cart

An idiomatic expression implying a disturbance that spoils plans or causes trouble.

FAQs

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

You can use "disrupted the flow" to describe how something interrupted a process, such as, "The sudden announcement "disrupted the flow" of the meeting."

What can I say instead of "disrupted the flow"?

You can use alternatives like "interrupted the course", "hindered the process", or "impeded the progress" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "disrupted the flow" or "interrupted the flow"?

Both "disrupted the flow" and "interrupted the flow" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the nuance you want to express. "Disrupted" suggests a more significant disturbance than "interrupted."

What is the difference between "disrupted the flow" and "affected the process"?

"Disrupted the flow" implies a more intrusive and potentially chaotic impact, suggesting a breakdown in continuity or rhythm. "Affected the process" is a more general term, indicating that something had an influence, whether positive or negative, without necessarily causing a breakdown.