interruption

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'interruption' is correct and usable in written English.
Generally it is used to refer to the act of stopping something or a period of time. Example sentence: She was annoyed by the interruption during her presentation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Commercial flight numbers and terminal passenger numbers were rising almost without interruption between 1994 and 2007, when the global financial crisis interrupted.

The Economist

That is because readers immersed in a storyline want above all not to be interrupted, and all online media teem with distractions (even a hyperlink is an interruption).

The Economist

Walking between these figures feels like an interruption; being a spectator is itself a performance.

The Guardian - Arts

It's embarrassingly safe, in fact – the Conservatives have held this seat without interruption since 1931 and, in two-thirds of the elections since then, have gained more than 50% of the vote.

The Guardian

And, as someone with faint claustrophobia who clutches their mobile at all times, even when it's off, such interruption did come as weird relief.

The Guardian - Opinion

Further pressed on whether Djokovic might have benefited from the interruption on Friday night because Murray was building momentum, he said: "I'm not going into that because, no matter what I say, it's not anything that will be acceptable to anybody.

The Guardian - Sport

Dong Keyong, a professor at Beijing's Renmin University, said it avoids "the interruption of people's regular work and life".

The Guardian

The summer blockbuster season has suffered a significant interruption from the World Cup, and exhibitors will be pinning their hopes on the major films arriving in July and August.

The Guardian - Film

Apnoea causes the walls of the throat to relax and narrow during sleep, causing an interruption to normal breathing.

The Guardian

The previous day, the State Department had likewise announced the temporary closure of its mail-sorting facility (and the interruption of its postal services), after a worker there was found to have anthrax.

The Economist

These are the "athletes' games", returning the Olympic focus to sport after years of interruption by politics; the "green games", with an athletes' village run on solar power and recycled water; and the "wired games", where contenders can create their own home page and check messages from fans across the world on a site especially created for Olympians.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an "interruption", be specific about what is being interrupted and the nature of the interruption. For example, instead of saying "There was an interruption", say "The power outage caused an interruption in the workflow".

Common error

While "interruption" is a valid word, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "disruption", "break", or "hiatus" to vary your language and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The word "interruption" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the act of interrupting or the state of being interrupted. It describes a temporary break or cessation in an ongoing process, activity, or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and frequently used English word.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

30%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "interruption" functions as a noun signifying a break or cessation in an activity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage across diverse contexts. The word carries a neutral tone suitable for news, business, and scientific writing. While highly versatile, be mindful of potential overuse and consider employing synonyms like "disruption" or "pause" to enhance stylistic variety. The examples show that it's important to be specific about what is being interrupted and the nature of the "interruption".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disruption

Direct synonym, referring to a disturbance or problem that interrupts an event, activity, or process.

break

A temporary cessation of activity.

hiatus

A pause or gap in a sequence, series, or process.

pause

A temporary stop in action or speech.

cessation

The fact or process of ending or being brought to an end.

suspension

The temporary prevention of something from continuing or being in force or effect.

moratorium

A temporary prohibition of an activity.

disturbance

The interruption of a settled and peaceful condition.

interference

The action of intervening in something.

intrusion

The act of wrongfully entering upon, seizing, or taking possession of the property of another.

FAQs

How can I use "interruption" in a sentence?

You can use "interruption" to describe a break in an activity, such as "The meeting experienced a brief "disruption"" or "The phone call caused an "intrusion" during the quiet study session."

What are some synonyms for "interruption"?

Some synonyms for "interruption" include "disruption", "break", "pause", "hiatus", and "cessation". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "interruption" and "disruption"?

"Interruption" refers to a temporary break or cessation, while "disruption" often implies a more significant disturbance or disorder. An "intrusion" may cause a temporary "interruption", leading to a larger "disturbance" and "disruption".

When is it appropriate to use "interruption" in professional writing?

Using "interruption" is appropriate in professional writing when describing a temporary halt or break in a process, activity, or communication. For example, describing a supply chain "break", or an "interference".