Cool MateBlock vs Run interference
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Block
Top 1,000 (very common)B1noun
Run interference
InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: BlockMost common: Block
| Block | Run interference | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/blɒk/"]/🇺🇸 /["/blɑːk/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //rʌn ˌɪntəˈfɪərəns//🇺🇸 //rʌn ˌɪntərˈfɪrəns// |
| Meaning | To stop something from happening or to make it impossible to pass. | To help someone by blocking or stopping something. |
| Example | He threw a block of wood into the fire. | I will run interference for you while you talk to the boss. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | big, huge, large, on the chopping block, high-rise, tower, tenement, in a/the block, block of, city, around the block, round the block, block from, city, around the block, round the block, block from, mental, writer’s, experience, have, suffer from, big, huge, large, on the chopping block | run interference for someone, run interference during a discussion, run interference in negotiations |
| Antonyms | allow, permit, facilitate | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'block' as a noun vs. verb., Using 'block' with the wrong prepositions., Saying 'blocked by' instead of 'blocked from'. | Used in the wrong context, like literal running., Confused with 'run' as in exercise., Not using it when it’s appropriate for helping someone. |
| Usage notes | Use 'block' when referring to stopping something physically or metaphorically. It's appropriate in both everyday and formal contexts. Avoid using it in overly casual conversations. | Used in casual conversations when someone needs help in a difficult situation. It's informal, so avoid using it in formal writing or speeches. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Block vs Run interference
What's the difference between Block and Run interference?
Block: To stop something from happening or to make it impossible to pass. Run interference: To help someone by blocking or stopping something.
Which is more formal: Block and Run interference?
Block is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Block and Run interference?
Block is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Block: He threw a block of wood into the fire. Run interference: I will run interference for you while you talk to the boss.
Can I use Block and Run interference interchangeably?
Not always. Block and Run interference are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.