it was interrupted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was interrupted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where an action, event, or communication was stopped or disrupted unexpectedly. Example: "The meeting was going smoothly until it was interrupted by a fire alarm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If the law had its say, it was interrupted mid-sentence — or, rather, pre-sentencing.

The New Yorker

As the film drew closer to its splurge-filled finale, it was interrupted by a warning to don plastic ponchos left under seats, resulting in widespread panic and excited squeals from children and parents alike.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What, in your opinion, Mr. Winsten, would be the effect upon the quality of "Anatomy of a Murder" if during the course of its exhibition, either in a theatre or on television, it was interrupted on twelve separate occasions and during each interruption two or more commercial announcements were shown?

The New Yorker

Instead, it was interrupted by the unexpected missile attack.

The New York Times

Until it was interrupted by the deadly attack.

The New York Times

But just as his career resumed, it was interrupted again.

The New York Times - Sports

It was interrupted at Book II, stanza 46, probably because of Giuliano's death in 1478.

Britannica

It was a nearly perfect day, until it was interrupted by torrential rain and tornado threats.

The Washington Post

It was interrupted at book ii, stanza 46, probably because of Giuliano's death in 1478.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In this case, said Smith, "we suspect it was interrupted weaning, not a natural transition".

The New Yorker

Although we had a formal graduation ceremony, it was interrupted by antiwar protesters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was interrupted" in passive constructions where the cause of the interruption is either unknown or less important than the fact that the interruption occurred. For example: "The broadcast was interrupted by a technical difficulty."

Common error

Avoid using "it was interrupted" when you want to emphasize the actor performing the interruption. In such cases, use an active voice construction: "The protesters interrupted the ceremony."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was interrupted" functions as a passive voice construction, typically used to indicate that an action or event was stopped or disturbed by something else. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was interrupted" is a common and grammatically correct passive voice construction used to describe the cessation or disturbance of an event or action. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility, supported by numerous examples from diverse sources. While typically neutral in register, it appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. When aiming for active voice or emphasizing the cause of the interruption, alternative phrases like "it was halted" or rewriting the sentence in the active voice are valuable alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was halted

Replaces "interrupted" with a direct synonym, suggesting a complete stop.

it was stopped

Similar to "halted", indicating an abrupt cessation.

it was terminated

Suggests a formal or definitive ending to something.

it was suspended

Implies a temporary cessation, with the possibility of resumption.

it was disrupted

Focuses on the disturbance caused, rather than a complete stop.

it was interfered with

Highlights external influence causing the interruption.

it was broken off

Suggests a more forceful or sudden termination.

it was cut short

Implies that something ended prematurely.

it suffered an interruption

Rephrases the sentence to focus on the interruption as an event.

it was checked

It suggests it was abruptly stopped, like a check in a game.

FAQs

How can I use "it was interrupted" in a sentence?

Use "it was interrupted" to describe a situation where something was stopped or disrupted. For example: "The concert "it was interrupted" by a sudden power outage."

What can I say instead of "it was interrupted"?

You can use alternatives like "it was halted", "it was stopped", or "it was disrupted" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it was interrupted by" or "it was interrupted with"?

"It was interrupted by" is generally preferred when indicating the cause of the interruption (e.g., "The meeting was interrupted by a phone call"). "It was interrupted with" can be used when indicating something used to interrupt (e.g., "The speech was interrupted with boos and hisses".)

What's the difference between "it was interrupted" and "it was disrupted"?

"It was interrupted" implies a complete stop, while "it was disrupted" suggests a disturbance that may not necessarily bring something to a complete halt. A disrupted event might continue, but in a less smooth or organized manner.