interrupt a conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "interrupt a conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the act of breaking into or halting an ongoing discussion between two or more people. Example: "It is considered rude to interrupt a conversation without a valid reason."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Another time even a blizzard failed to interrupt a conversation.

The New York Times

This isn't the kind of food that will interrupt a conversation.

The New York Times

Sometimes he would interrupt a conversation to rhapsodise about a particular cable.

The Guardian

Then interrupt a conversation and blurt it out to some people who are unlikely to understand or will be offended.

Independent

You wouldn't waltz into someone's house in meatspace and interrupt a conversation by throwing yourself on to the sofa.

The Guardian - Tech

She describes the museum as "my baby," and she will interrupt a conversation to dab at a stain on a female colleague's shirt.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

When a telephone call interrupted a conversation, she answered and, in an imitation of a Chinese accent, said, "Nobody home".

The New York Times

Details are still emerging, but conflict appears to have been sparked when McCollough interrupted a conversation that the veteran actress had been having with Sutherland.

Independent

I remember, not so long ago, when a student remarked on the first time a friend interrupted a conversation to take a call.

The Guardian - Books

There may or may not have been a later incident in which Robert F. Kennedy interrupted a conversation between Jacqueline Kennedy and Mr. Vidal at the White House.

The New York Times

Today, the local commanders of the Israeli police interrupted a conversation at Rami's bedside to present him with a certificate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before you "interrupt a conversation", consider if your contribution is essential at that moment. If not, wait for a natural pause.

Common error

Avoid "interrupting a conversation" with information that isn't directly relevant to the current topic. This can derail the discussion and frustrate the original speakers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "interrupt a conversation" functions primarily as a verb phrase describing the action of breaking into or halting an ongoing exchange between individuals. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is generally considered correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "interrupt a conversation" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the act of breaking into an ongoing discussion. While generally considered impolite, there are situations where it may be necessary or acceptable. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and applicable in a variety of contexts. Context is key to its usage, with formality of the situation impacting the appropriateness of "interrupting a conversation". Semantically related phrases include "break into a conversation" and "cut into a conversation", each with slightly different connotations. When using the phrase, remember to consider relevance and apologize for the intrusion when necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

break into a conversation

Focuses on the act of entering a conversation abruptly.

cut into a conversation

Emphasizes the abruptness of the interruption.

disturb a conversation

Focuses on the disruption caused by the interruption.

break in on a conversation

Highlights the act of intrusion.

butt into a conversation

Implies an unwelcome or rude interruption.

interject in a conversation

Refers to inserting a remark or comment.

chime into a conversation

Suggests a more casual or informal interruption.

intrude on a conversation

Emphasizes the unwelcome nature of the interruption.

chisel into a conversation

Suggests effort to enter the conversation.

get a word in edgewise

Highlights the difficulty of speaking due to others talking.

FAQs

Is it always rude to "interrupt a conversation"?

While generally considered impolite, "interrupting a conversation" can be acceptable in emergencies or when adding critical information. However, always apologize briefly for the interruption.

What's a polite way to "interrupt a conversation"?

Start with a phrase like "Excuse me, I'm sorry to "interrupt", but..." to acknowledge the interruption and state your reason quickly.

What are the alternatives to "interrupt a conversation"?

You can use alternatives like "break into a conversation", "cut into a conversation", or "chime into a conversation" depending on the context and the level of formality.

How does the context affect whether it's okay to "interrupt a conversation"?

In formal settings like meetings, it's usually less acceptable to "interrupt a conversation" than in informal settings with friends. Cultural norms also play a role; some cultures are more tolerant of interruptions than others.