Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

I'm in the middle of something
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

I'm in the middle of something".

News & Media

The New Yorker

"Actually, I'm in the middle of something".

News & Media

The New Yorker

"I don't burst out laughing if I'm in the middle of something.

News & Media

The New York Times

"Sometimes, if I'm in the middle of something, and I have to go and pray, it's annoying".

News & Media

The Guardian

"I'm in the middle of something," Barrett said when I arrived, explaining that she was getting her house ready to put on the market.

News & Media

The New Yorker

There's been a lot of interest in the game and I can tell I'm in the middle of something special.

News & Media

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It was more of an example rather than something that I'm in the middle of doing.

News & Media

The New York Times

When I wrote it, in Chicago, it was very much still something I was in the middle of.

News & Media

Huffington Post

I knew she was in the middle of something fun, exhilarating and eventually terrible".

News & Media

The New York Times

He's either started something, been in the middle of something or kept something going".

News & Media

The New York Times - Sports

Estes was in the middle of something incredibly awkward yesterday.

News & Media

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I'm in the middle of something", be prepared to offer a brief explanation or suggest an alternative time to connect, showing consideration for the other person's request.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "I'm in the middle of something" without providing any context or offering an alternative. This can come across as dismissive or uninterested.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

"I'm in the middle of something" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that the speaker is currently occupied or engaged in an activity and cannot be disturbed or attend to another matter at that moment. Ludwig provides various examples of its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I'm in the middle of something" is a common and versatile phrase used to politely indicate that you are currently occupied and unable to attend to another request or conversation immediately. Ludwig's analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral to informal, it's important to use it considerately by offering context or suggesting an alternative time to connect. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase without explanation to maintain a polite and respectful tone in your interactions.

More alternative expressions(6)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm busy with something right now

Directly states that the speaker is occupied with an unspecified task.

I'm doing something else just now

States that the speaker is engaged in another activity at this time.

I'm currently occupied

Focuses on the state of being busy rather than the specific activity.

I'm presently engaged

Highlights involvement in an activity at the current moment with a slightly more formal tone.

I'm working on something

Specifies that the speaker is actively involved in a project or task.

I'm occupied with a project

Similar to “I'm working on something” but specifies its more about the project.

I'm tied up at the moment

Emphasizes being unavailable due to current commitments.

I'm preoccupied at the moment

Implies that the speaker's attention is currently focused elsewhere.

I'm dealing with something

Suggests that the speaker is handling a situation or task.

I'm involved in a task

Indicates participation in a specific activity.

FAQs

How can I politely decline a request using "I'm in the middle of something"?

You can say "I'm in the middle of something right now, but I'll get back to you later" or "I'm in the middle of something, can we talk in an hour"?

What does "I'm in the middle of something" imply?

It implies that you are currently occupied with a task, project, or activity and cannot be interrupted at the moment. It is similar to saying "I'm currently occupied".

Is it rude to say "I'm in the middle of something"?

It's not inherently rude, but the tone and context matter. Adding a brief explanation or offering an alternative time to connect can make it more polite. For instance, saying "I'm busy with something right now, can I call you back in 30 minutes?" sounds more considerate than simply stating "I'm in the middle of something".

What's a more formal way to say "I'm in the middle of something"?

More formal alternatives include "I'm presently engaged" or "I'm currently occupied". These phrases are suitable for professional settings where a direct but polite response is needed. Consider "I'm presently engaged" when communicating with superiors or clients.

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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I'm in the middle of somethingGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

I'm in the middle of something
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples