are in the middle of

USAGE SUMMARY

"are in the middle of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is currently occurring, such as "We are in the middle of reorganizing the paperwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

And you are in the middle of a quarterback bootleg.

The New York Times - Sports

"Hispanics are in the middle of that shift right now".

The New York Times

"We are in the middle of a modest winning streak.

The New York Times - Sports

"We are in the middle of a progressive renovation".

The New York Times

They are in the middle of a challenging period, however.

The New York Times - Magazine

(We are in the middle of the wedding).

The New Yorker

We are in the middle of that adjustment now.

The New York Times

You are in the middle of the arena".

The New York Times

Some hoops are in the middle of intersections.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

My hometown of Peoria, Illinois, is in the middle of Middle America.

Vice

Terry was in the middle of it.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are in the middle of", ensure the context clearly indicates what activity, process, or situation the subject is involved in. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "are in the middle of" to describe completed actions. This phrase indicates an ongoing state; use past tense constructions for finished events.

Linguistic Context

"Are in the middle of" functions as a verbal phrase indicating that someone or something is currently engaged in a process, activity, or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. The examples provided by Ludwig further illustrate its common usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

17%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are in the middle of" is a versatile phrase used to describe something that is currently happening or in progress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, especially in news and media. While it is suitable for most contexts, writers should ensure the tense aligns with the intended meaning and consider more formal alternatives like "are engaged in" for certain situations. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively communicate the ongoing nature of events, processes, or activities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are amidst

Implies being surrounded by or enveloped in a particular environment or situation.

are going through

Indicates a transitional or challenging period.

are undergoing

Focuses on the process or experience being actively undergone.

are experiencing

Emphasizes the sensation or feeling that accompanies being in a particular situation.

are passing through

Highlights a temporary state or transition.

are currently facing

Highlights the challenges or difficulties being confronted.

are presently dealing with

Focuses on the ongoing management or handling of a situation.

are engaged in

Highlights active participation or involvement in an activity or process.

are involved in

Suggests participation or connection to a particular event or situation.

are surrounded by

Emphasizes the physical or metaphorical environment surrounding the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "are in the middle of" in a sentence?

Use "are in the middle of" to describe an ongoing action, process, or state. For instance, "They "are in the middle of negotiations"" indicates that the negotiations are currently happening.

What's a more formal alternative to "are in the middle of"?

In more formal contexts, you can use phrases like "are engaged in" or "are involved in" to convey a similar meaning with a slightly more elevated tone.

Is it correct to say "are in middle of" without the word 'the'?

No, it is not grammatically correct. The correct phrase is "are in the middle of". Omitting "the" creates an ungrammatical sentence.

How does "are in the middle of" differ from "are finished with"?

"Are in the middle of" indicates an action is ongoing, while "are finished with" signifies that an action has been completed. They represent opposite ends of a process.