Difference between interrupt and interfere

sofia klara · Mon Jan 10, 2005 14:29 pm *Difference between interrupt and interfere*

Test No. incompl/elem-21 "Remove the Spoon", question 9

Yes, doctor I'm sorry I ......... you.

(a) intervened
(b) intersected
(c) interrupted
(d) interfered

Test No. incompl/elem-21 "Remove the Spoon", answer 9

Yes, doctor I'm sorry I interrupted you.

Correct answer: (c) interrupted

Your answer was: incorrect
Yes, doctor I'm sorry I interfered you.
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when do we use interfere and interrupt?

thanks
sofia klara

Torsten · Mon Jan 10, 2005 16:24 pm *Difference between interrupt and interfere*

To interfere means to hinder, to impede, to influence in a negative way.
To interrupt means to stop or bring to a halt.
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Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

Snoopy_Blah_Blah · Tue May 22, 2007 2:22 am *Difference between interrupt and interfere*

Why not: Yes, doctor I'm sorry I've interrupted you. It has just happened. So can I use Present Perfect here?
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Conchita · Tue May 22, 2007 12:08 pm *Difference between interrupt and interfere*

Yankee · Tue May 22, 2007 13:58 pm *Difference between interrupt and interfere*

.
In American English, I would never expect to hear the present perfect used in this type of sentence. Never. The format of an apology about one small, specific and complete action would be "I'm sorry (that) I did that" (simple past tense) or possibly "I'm sorry for doing that" (i.e.for+gerund).

To possibly use the present perfect in this context (in American English), the present perfect would have to be more divorced from the apology itself and, in addition, there would probably be some mention of something else which would directly tie "have interrupted" to the present -- something like this:

"Oh, I'm sorry, Doctor! Now I've interrupted you. Please go on (with what you were saying)."

Conchita · Tue May 22, 2007 15:05 pm *Difference between interrupt and interfere*

Yankee · Tue May 22, 2007 17:48 pm *Difference between interrupt and interfere*

Beware, Conchita! Wink

I've had people disagree with me when I've dared to suggest that there is a difference in the frequency of usage of the present perfect between the US and the UK -- naysayers both here and in other forums. Confused

I don't see the difference as a huge one, but I do agree with you that the present perfect tends to be used somewhat more often in BE and that the difference in usage is a noticeable one.

lost_soul · Tue May 22, 2007 21:58 pm *Difference between interrupt and interfere*

Hi, Yankee Wink

could you tell me what on earth naysayers means ?
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Alex

How much upchuck would a woodchuck upchuck if a woodchuck could upchuck ?

(a guy from Russia)

Swapnil.Kale · Fri May 25, 2007 16:23 pm *Difference between interrupt and interfere*

tr.v. nay·said (-sd), nay·say·ing, nay·says (-sz)
To oppose, deny, or take a pessimistic or negative view of: They will naysay any policy that raises taxes.

Swapnil.Kale · Fri May 25, 2007 16:24 pm *Difference between interrupt and interfere*

but can it be used as " Naysayers" ?

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