interrupt the flow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "interrupt the flow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how something disrupts or disturbs a continuous process or sequence. Example: "The sudden noise from the construction site will interrupt the flow of our meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We'll interrupt the flow of support from Iran and Syria.

The New Yorker

Now, the technology has been tested; it will not interrupt the flow of the game.

The New York Times

DAVID DENBY: It's a sign of Hollywood playing it safe, not offending anyone, don't interrupt the flow of money.

The New Yorker

Boating plays a role as well, since it requires the dredging of channels, which interrupt the flow of sand.

The New York Times - Travel

Yet contrived twists and solemn monologues interrupt the flow and go nowhere, causing any suspense to ebb.

The New York Times

We prop up dictators and strongmen so that political instability will not interrupt the flow of oil.

The New York Times

He recalled, for instance, often telling his cast members to avoid "going for the wrong kind of laugh that might interrupt the flow of the other actors onstage".

The New York Times

No flashy or fashionable effects are allowed to interrupt the flow of a Highsmith narrative, which often appears to be eventful even when nothing is happening.

The New York Times - Books

Boko Haram's destruction was happening in a relatively underdeveloped, resource-poor region of the country; it did not interrupt the flow of oil wealth on which Nigeria depends.

The New Yorker

It was so obvious that Obama meant "the Iranian government" when he said "the Iraqi government" that Crocker didn't bother to interrupt the flow by correcting him.

The New Yorker

If a star begins talking about robots or demanding that the interviewer eat stew, it is best not to interrupt the flow of conversation.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, replace the phrase "interrupt the flow" with more specific terms that accurately reflect the type of disruption, such as "halt the momentum" or "disrupt the progression", depending on the context.

Common error

While "interrupt the flow" is widely understood, overuse in formal or academic writing can make your text sound less sophisticated. Use more precise verbs like "impede", "obstruct", or "disrupt" to enhance the formality and precision of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "interrupt the flow" functions as a verb phrase, with "interrupt" acting as the main verb and "the flow" as the direct object. It describes an action that interferes with or breaks the continuity of something. Ludwig examples show it's widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "interrupt the flow" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the disruption of a continuous process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. While versatile, it's important to consider using more precise alternatives like "disrupt the progression" or "impede the process" in formal writing to enhance clarity and sophistication. By avoiding overuse and choosing contextually appropriate synonyms, you can effectively communicate the concept of disruption while maintaining the quality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disrupt the progression

Focuses on disrupting a forward movement or development rather than a general flow.

break the continuity

Emphasizes the breaking of an unbroken sequence or connection.

impede the process

Highlights the hindering of a procedure or series of actions.

halt the momentum

Specifically refers to stopping a force or speed gained by movement.

obstruct the advance

Focuses on preventing forward movement or progress.

stall the progress

Indicates a slowing down or temporary stoppage of advancement.

discontinue the sequence

Refers to stopping an ordered set of things or events.

cut off the supply

Implies stopping a provision or resource from reaching its destination.

block the passage

Emphasizes physically preventing movement through a space or channel.

arrest the development

Highlights stopping the growth or evolution of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "interrupt the flow" to describe something that disrupts a continuous process. For example: "The loud construction noise can "interrupt the flow" of a meeting".

What are some alternatives to "interrupt the flow"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "disrupt the progression", "break the continuity", or "impede the process".

Is "interrupting the flow" grammatically correct?

Yes, "interrupting the flow" is grammatically correct. It is simply the present participle form of the verb phrase "interrupt the flow", often used to describe an ongoing action.

What's the difference between "interrupt the flow" and "disrupt the flow"?

While both phrases are similar, "interrupt the flow" implies a temporary stoppage or break, whereas "disrupt the flow" suggests a more significant disturbance or disordering of the process.