spark.

WRITING GLOSSARY

What is Interruption?

Interruption is the cutting off of one speaker by another before a thought finishes.

Definition

Interruption is the cutting off of one speaker by another before a thought finishes. Interruptions reveal power, urgency, anger, or intimacy and can sharpen the rhythm of a scene.

Example

He starts to explain, but she cuts in: "No. You were going to lie again."

Related terms

Common mistakes

  • Using interruption so often that no one completes a sentence.
  • Formatting interruption without making the break emotionally motivated.
Back to glossary