Difference between interrupt and interfere

[sofia klara]

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.
_________________________

when do we use interfere and interrupt?

thanks
sofia klara

[Torsten]

To interfere means to hinder, to impede, to influence in a negative way.
To interrupt means to stop or bring to a halt.

TOEFL listening lectures: Why does the professor mention New York Harbor?

[Snoopy_Blah_Blah]

Why not: Yes, doctor I'm sorry I've interrupted you. It has just happened. So can I use Present Perfect here?

[Conchita]

[Yankee]

.
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)."
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Conchita]

[Yankee]

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. :?

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.
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Lost_Soul]

Hi, Yankee ;)

could you tell me what on earth naysayers means ?

[Swapnil.Kale]

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]

but can it be used as " Naysayers" ?

[Watie]

Hello, Mr Torsten..
I like your explanation. Maybe can you explain to me the use of "intersected"? Thanks

[DemonAFC]

[Ahmad6889]

I really love American English :)
Thanks for your great definition , Yankee :)
You are an an excellent teacher indeed :)