minor interruption

USAGE SUMMARY

"minor interruption" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a short pause or break in the flow of something. For example, "The speech was going smoothly until there was a minor interruption when a phone rang."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Mr. Khalid and his brother ran them off, dismissing the incident as a minor interruption.

The New York Times

These days, outdoor holiday decorating has been downsized to a minor interruption in the weekend.

The New York Times

With that solved, the fishtank subplot suddenly became only a minor interruption to the over-all flow.

The New Yorker

It was targeted by protesters on Monday night but only experienced very minor interruption to the service.

The Guardian - Tech

Inhabited plains, with only the minor interruption of the worn-down Urals, extend from central Europe to the Yenisey River in central Siberia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For one thing, a fair number of jazz clubs in Manhattan actually saw only minor interruption, given the stark demarcation of the power grid.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

He spent, with minor interruptions, about fifty years in Belgrade.

The New Yorker

It has continued to hold sway (with minor interruptions) until the present day.

The Guardian - Books

The boom lasted for a quarter-century, with only minor interruptions.

Harvard Business Review

Thereafter it was subject to papal rule with only minor interruptions.

Britannica

For the last 60 years at least, with minor interruptions, it has given itself bad Government.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to emphasize that an event or activity was hardly affected by something, using "minor interruption" can be effective. For example: "Despite the brief power outage, the concert experienced only a minor interruption".

Common error

Avoid using "minor interruption" when the disruption significantly altered the course of events. Choose stronger terms like "major setback" or "significant disruption" if the impact was substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minor interruption" functions as a noun phrase, where "minor" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "interruption". According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English, typically describing a brief or insignificant pause.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "minor interruption" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes a brief and insignificant pause or disruption. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is effective in downplaying the impact of a temporary halt. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, though it is most commonly found in news and media. Related phrases include "brief disruption" and "slight disturbance", which offer alternative ways to express a similar meaning. When using this phrase, ensure that the interruption truly is minor to avoid overstating its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief disruption

Focuses on the disruptive aspect being short in duration.

slight disturbance

Emphasizes the mild and insignificant nature of the disruption.

temporary pause

Highlights the transient nature of the break.

fleeting interruption

Stresses the quick and passing nature of the interruption.

momentary suspension

Implies a short-lived halt or cessation.

passing disruption

Suggests the interruption is brief and will not last.

short break

Simple and direct alternative emphasizing the brevity.

small hiccup

Informal way to describe a minor problem or delay.

inconsequential delay

Focuses on the lack of importance of the delay.

negligible interference

Highlights the minimal impact of the interruption.

FAQs

How can I use "minor interruption" in a sentence?

You can use "minor interruption" to describe a short pause or break in the flow of something. For example, "The meeting continued smoothly despite a "minor interruption" when a phone rang."

What can I say instead of "minor interruption"?

You can use alternatives like "brief disruption", "slight disturbance", or "temporary pause" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "minor interruption"?

It's appropriate when the disruption is brief and does not significantly impact the overall progress or outcome. If the impact is more substantial, consider using a stronger term such as "major setback" or "significant disruption".

Is "minor interruption" formal or informal?

"Minor interruption" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or technical writing, consider more precise alternatives like "momentary suspension" or "negligible interference".