intrude

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'intrude' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone entering a place or private conversation without permission. Example sentence: We were having an intimate dinner with friends when an unwelcome acquaintance intruded and ruined the evening.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is also a matter of how we perceive the relationship between man and nature – whether we regard the natural world as the aesthetic norm, something pristine upon which humanity and our technological "advances" intrude.

The Guardian

Rarely do other factors intrude and aggravate the situation.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Even on the rare occasions when the real world does intrude it means almost nothing: witness the jump-cut footage of the Arab spring U2 incorporated into a rendition of their hit, Sunday Bloody Sunday – as usual, dissent and revolt remodelled as blank spectacle.

The Guardian - Opinion

Earlier, Stan Wawrinka had to come from a set and a break down to overcome Juan Mónaco 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 and it could be that his personal life continues to intrude on his tennis.

The Guardian - Sport

If the state is prepared to abuse its powers and instruments so widely and gravely in cases such as this, where there is a high risk of detection, and if it is prepared to intrude so far into people's lives that its officers live with activists and father their children, what is it not prepared to do while spying undetectably on our private correspondence?

The Guardian - Opinion

"Few people would expect a TV to intrude on our privacy, yet this is increasingly becoming the case.

The Guardian - Tech

I mean no disrespect to him and his fellow politicians in Northern Ireland – this is simply an observation of how things are – when I say that they rarely intrude into the consciousness of the rest of the United Kingdom.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nor does Knausgaard intrude on the truth of the past with the hindsight of the present, even when it comes to the question of musical taste – a subject that is notorious for historical revisionism.

The Guardian - Books

But in February the court heard arguments on the core of the case: whether a federal judge has the right to intrude in the decision of a government agency.

The Economist

Big-breasted, narrow-waisted and long-legged, she has helped sex intrude into childhood.

The Economist

Millennials are already eschewing credit cards altogether.Some payments groups are now starting to intrude on banks' traditional preserve of lending.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intrude" when you want to emphasize the unwelcome or disruptive nature of an entry or interference. Consider the context to ensure the level of formality matches your writing's tone.

Common error

Avoid using "intrude" interchangeably with words like "enter" or "visit" when there is no implication of unwelcome or disruptive behavior. "Enter" is a neutral term, while "intrude" carries a negative connotation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "intrude" is as an intransitive verb. It describes the action of entering or interfering in a situation without invitation or permission. Ludwig AI validates its common usage, indicating its acceptability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

28%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The verb "intrude" is widely used to describe unwelcome or uninvited entry or interference. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, predominantly in news, formal business, and scientific writing. When using "intrude", consider the negative connotation and choose synonyms like "trespass" or "encroach" if a less forceful term is needed. A common error is confusing "intrude" with neutral terms like "enter". Remember that using the term "intrude" implies a violation of boundaries, either physical or abstract. As validated by the examples provided, "intrude" is a versatile and acceptable word for expressing unwelcome intrusion in a variety of contexts. When in doubt, leverage the suggested best practice: ensure that when you use the term ""intrude"", it matches the tone of the text and it correctly highlights unwelcome action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trespass

Implies entering someone's property or space without permission.

encroach

Suggests gradually advancing beyond established limits, often in a way that infringes on someone's rights or territory.

invade

Indicates entering a place as an enemy or with hostile intent.

interfere

Signifies meddling in someone else's affairs without invitation or right.

obtrude

Emphasizes forcing oneself or one's opinions upon others.

butt in

Informal way of describing interrupting a conversation or activity.

horn in

Similar to "butt in", suggesting unwanted participation.

muscle in

Suggests using force or intimidation to gain entry or control.

interlope

Implies interfering in someone else's affairs, often secretly or dishonestly.

pry

Indicates inquiring too closely into a person's private affairs.

FAQs

How is "intrude" used in a sentence?

"Intrude" typically describes entering a space or situation where one is not welcome or lacks permission. For example, "I didn't mean to "intrude" on your conversation."

What are some synonyms for "intrude"?

Alternatives to "intrude" include "trespass", "encroach", "interfere", or "obtrude", each carrying slightly different nuances of unwelcome entry or interference.

Is it correct to say "intrude on" someone's privacy?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase "intrude on" is commonly used to describe violating someone's personal space, time, or privacy.

What's the difference between "intrude" and "enter"?

"Enter" is a neutral term for going into a place. "Intrude", on the other hand, implies entering without permission or welcome, making it a more negative and forceful action.