Cool MateInterrupt vs Intrude
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Interrupt
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Intrude
Top 3,000 (common)
Most common: Interrupt
| Interrupt | Intrude | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌɪntəˈrʌpt/","/ˌɪntəˈrʌpts/","/ˌɪntəˈrʌptɪd/","/ˌɪntəˈrʌptɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌɪntəˈrʌpt/","/ˌɪntəˈrʌpts/","/ˌɪntəˈrʌptɪd/","/ˌɪntəˈrʌptɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ɪnˈtruːd//🇺🇸 //ɪnˈtrud// |
| Meaning | to stop someone while they are speaking or doing something | To enter a place or situation where you are not wanted. |
| Example | Please do not interrupt me while I am speaking. | He didn't mean to intrude, but he overheard their conversation. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | impatiently, rudely, angrily, be sorry to, (not) dare (to), with, get interrupted | intrude on someone's space, intrude into someone's life, intrude upon privacy, intrude in a conversation, intrude into a situation |
| Antonyms | listen, allow, support | respect, avoid, leave alone |
| Common mistakes | Using 'interrupt' incorrectly when meaning to 'wait' or 'pause'., Confusing 'interrupt' with 'interject', which implies a more formal or thoughtful interruption., Saying 'interrupting to someone' instead of 'interrupting someone'. | Used incorrectly as 'intrusion' instead of 'intrude'., Confusing 'intrude' with 'interrupt'., Omitting the preposition 'on' or 'upon' after 'intrude'. |
| Usage notes | Use 'interrupt' when talking about breaking into someone's conversation or action. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious in formal settings as it may be seen as rude if done excessively. | Use 'intrude' when discussing unwanted entry or disruption, typically in social or private contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Interrupt vs Intrude
What's the difference between Interrupt and Intrude?
Interrupt: to stop someone while they are speaking or doing something Intrude: To enter a place or situation where you are not wanted.
Which is more common: Interrupt and Intrude?
Interrupt is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Interrupt: Please do not interrupt me while I am speaking. Intrude: He didn't mean to intrude, but he overheard their conversation.
Can I use Interrupt and Intrude interchangeably?
Not always. Interrupt and Intrude 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.