small disruption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small disruption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor interruption or disturbance in a process, event, or situation. Example: "The meeting was delayed due to a small disruption caused by technical difficulties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It might seem a small disruption, not watching TV.

The New York Times

Even a small disruption, like a fire or maintenance mishap, could quickly result in a temporary price spike.

The New York Times

This small disruption of the unreally beautiful is an echo of the barely noticeable bruising on one of the shiny red apples seen on the floor below.

The Guardian - Arts

"The density of the city means that a small disruption can have an enormous effect.' Last night, the company declined to estimate how many of several thousand residential phone lines in New York City were still out of service because of vandalism that had occurred since the strike began early Sunday.

The New York Times

Now an Israeli company called Curapipe has developed a system that aims to seal leaks cheaply with only a small disruption to the water supply.Much of the wasted water is lost through what the International Water Association, an industry body, calls "background leakage"—that is, small but widespread cracks that drip water continuously.

The Economist

Therefore, a small disruption in tropical forests might result in a significant change in the global C cycle.

Forest Ecosystems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

And small disruptions to routine threatened his growing social confidence.

The New York Times

So even small disruptions to supplies prompt dramatic reactions from the markets.

The Economist

I tell my friends back in California about these small disruptions and they look much too knowing.

The Guardian

With very little slack left in global oil supplies, small disruptions can have a large impact on the market.

The New York Times

Even small disruptions to supplies from such places can cause the price to jump, since only Saudi Arabia has the capacity to replace the lost production, and it does not seem inclined to do so.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of an event, use "small disruption" to downplay the severity and maintain a positive tone. This is especially useful in business or public relations contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "small disruption" when the interruption is significant. Overstating the disruption's insignificance can undermine credibility and create distrust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small disruption" functions as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "disruption". It describes an event that causes a minor interruption or disturbance. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small disruption" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a minor interruption or disturbance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. When using this phrase, ensure the disruption is indeed minor to maintain credibility. Alternatives like "minor disturbance" or "slight interruption" can be used for variety. The frequency analysis shows its prevalence in media and scientific sources, highlighting its relevance in objective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor disturbance

Replaces "disruption" with a more general term for an interruption.

slight interruption

Uses a synonym for "small" and "disruption" to convey a similar meaning.

brief disturbance

Focuses on the short duration of the disruption.

minimal interference

Emphasizes the low impact of the interruption.

minor setback

Highlights the negative but small impact on progress.

slight hitch

Suggests a temporary and easily resolved problem.

fleeting interruption

Emphasizes the very short duration of the interruption.

minor perturbation

Uses a more technical term for a slight disturbance, suitable for scientific contexts.

temporary hiccup

Implies a brief and insignificant problem.

passing disturbance

Highlights the transient nature of the interruption.

FAQs

How can I use "small disruption" in a sentence?

You can use "small disruption" to describe a minor interruption or disturbance. For example, "The project experienced a "small disruption" due to a power outage, but it was quickly resolved".

What are some alternatives to "small disruption"?

Alternatives include "minor disturbance", "slight interruption", or "minimal interference" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "small disruption" in formal writing?

Yes, "small disruption" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in business or technical contexts where precise language is valued. It accurately conveys a limited impact.

What's the difference between "small disruption" and "major disruption"?

"Small disruption" indicates a minor, easily resolved issue, while "major disruption" signifies a significant problem with potentially severe consequences. The choice depends on the actual impact of the event.