disrupting the flow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disrupting the flow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is interrupting or causing a disturbance in a process, conversation, or activity. Example: "The sudden noise from the construction site was disrupting the flow of our meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

The snow also changes the topography of the city, narrowing streets and disrupting the flow of cars and pedestrians.

The New York Times

American officials announced a deal on Wednesday to build a missile defense base in Poland, leading some traders to worry that Russia could respond by disrupting the flow of oil in Eastern Europe.

The New York Times

It was also odd because LA was the first opponent we Dallas fans have seen this season that played to keep the game flowing rather than disrupting the flow with hard tackles.

The Guardian - Sport

Already, several provinces are outside the government's control, and the economy is in free fall, with opposition-aligned tribes in eastern Yemen disrupting the flow of oil and electricity to the capital.

The New York Times

Despite the defiant message, Isis is under greater fire than ever before, with recent airstrikes by Western nations killing senior leaders and disrupting the flow of oil and goods to their territories.

Independent

Dion is one of those curious characters the world produces every so often; men and women who combine making things with intervening in the institutions that show them — in museums and schools, in cities and far-flung sites, disrupting the flow and structure of our picture of the world just enough to make us wonder why we give it that structure and flow in the first place.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

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

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

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 "disrupting the flow", ensure the context clearly defines what "flow" refers to, whether it's a process, conversation, traffic, or something else.

Common error

Avoid vague usage where it's unclear what is being disrupted. Be specific about the entity whose flow is being interrupted to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disrupting the flow" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It describes the act of interrupting or disturbing a continuous process, movement, or activity. Ludwig AI's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, such as traffic, business, and even biological processes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disrupting the flow" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that describes the act of interrupting or hindering a process. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples across various contexts, including news, science, and general knowledge. The phrase carries a neutral register and is suitable for diverse audiences. To ensure clarity, specify what "flow" refers to. When seeking alternatives, consider "interrupting the current" or "impeding the progression" based on the nuances needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disrupting the smooth operation

Highlights interference with the efficiency and seamlessness of an activity.

interrupting the current

Focuses on the cessation of a current, be it literal or figurative.

disturbing the continuity

Emphasizes breaking the unbroken sequence or connection of something.

disrupting the established order

Highlights the breaking of an existing system.

impeding the progression

Highlights hindering the forward movement or advancement of something.

obstructing the course

Implies blocking or hindering a path or direction.

hampering the movement

Suggests restricting or slowing down the movement of something.

hindering the process

Similar to impeding, but specifically targets a process or series of actions.

stalling the momentum

Focuses on stopping or slowing down the progress or force of something.

breaking the rhythm

Emphasizes the disruption of a pattern or beat.

FAQs

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

You can use "disrupting the flow" to describe an action that interrupts or hinders a process. For instance, "The construction work is "disrupting the flow" of traffic during rush hour".

What are some alternatives to "disrupting the flow"?

Alternatives include "interrupting the current", "disturbing the continuity", or "impeding the progression", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "disrupting the flow" or "interrupting the flow"?

Both "disrupting the flow" and "interrupting the flow" are grammatically correct. The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. "Disrupting" implies a more significant disturbance, while "interrupting" can be a temporary pause.

What does it mean when something is "disrupting the flow" in a business context?

In a business context, "disrupting the flow" often refers to anything that hinders or interferes with the smooth operation of processes, communication, or productivity. It could be a new policy, a technical glitch, or even interpersonal conflicts.