to interrupt

USAGE SUMMARY

"to interrupt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone has stopped another person from speaking either by saying something or taking some action. For example, "He began to speak, but she interrupted him mid-sentence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You're waiting to interrupt.

The New Yorker

I try to interrupt.

The Guardian - Sport

I started to interrupt.

The New Yorker

I didn't want to interrupt.

The New Yorker

She didn't want to interrupt.

The New Yorker

(Ghostface likes to interrupt himself).

The New Yorker

No one was to interrupt.

The New York Times - Magazine

Feel free to interrupt.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Mr. Skrbina leaned forward to interrupt me.

The New York Times

I don't like to interrupt her".

Independent

Nothing seems to interrupt his momentum.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to interrupt" when you want to indicate a temporary halt or disturbance in an ongoing action or conversation. Consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the situation. For instance, if someone is speaking, and you interject a question, using "to interrupt" is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "to interrupt" interchangeably with verbs like "to disturb" or "to distract" if the intention is not necessarily to halt an action. "To interrupt" specifically implies a break in continuity, while "to disturb" or "to distract" may only imply a diversion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to interrupt" primarily functions as an infinitive verb phrase. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English for indicating the act of disrupting an ongoing process or conversation, as shown in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to interrupt" is a versatile and grammatically correct infinitive phrase used to describe the act of disrupting or halting an ongoing process, action, or conversation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts, primarily within News & Media. While it is a common phrase, writers should be mindful of the specific nuance they intend to convey, as there are several alternative phrases, such as "to interject" or "to cut in", which may be more appropriate depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to interject

A more formal way to describe inserting a remark.

to cut in

This focuses on interjecting oneself into a conversation.

to break in

Similar to 'cut in', but can also apply to physical interruptions.

to chime in

Implies a brief, often welcome, interruption to add a comment.

to disrupt

Focuses on causing disorder or disturbance.

to butt in

Informal and usually implies rudeness.

to barge in

Implies a rude or forceful interruption.

to break up

Implies stopping something from continuing.

to interfere

Suggests meddling or obstructing.

to intrude

Suggests entering without permission or welcome.

FAQs

How can I use "to interrupt" in a sentence?

You can use "to interrupt" to describe someone stopping an action, conversation, or process. For example, "I didn't mean to interrupt your story" or "The phone call threatened to interrupt the meeting."

What's a formal way to say "to interrupt"?

A more formal alternative to "to interrupt" is "to interject". This is more commonly used in professional or academic settings.

When is it appropriate to use "to interrupt" someone?

It is appropriate to use "to interrupt" when there is an urgent need to convey important information, clarify a misunderstanding, or correct a mistake. However, it is generally considered polite to avoid interrupting unless absolutely necessary.

Are there situations where I shouldn't use "to interrupt"?

While technically correct, using "to interrupt" might sound too direct in situations where you want to be polite or tactful. In those cases, consider using phrases like "excuse me" or "sorry to bother you" instead.