around middle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "around middle" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically intended to refer to a point in time or space that is approximately in the middle, but it lacks clarity and grammatical structure. Example: "We will meet around middle of the afternoon."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Many of the people are around middle age & don't know what they should be doing.

The New Yorker

So when May 7th rolls around, Middle England is split between one slightly more right-wing party and another, Labour stroll through the middle to victory, Ed Miliband assumes power, David Cameron just screams so much his head explodes, and then, in one final twist, Ed Miliband emerges from Number 10 holding Nigel Farage's arms aloft in a Rocky-style victory pose.

Vice

"Around middle school, it hit me that I loved these melodies," she said.

The New York Times

However, mental health experts warned that a complex set of issues combine around middle age, which could lead to the development of particular difficulties.

The Guardian

Also not the answer are the platitudes presented by Warson and by the three cyclists who speak on the film (all men, all in or around middle age).

The Guardian

The number of traffic incidents involving schoolchildren across the 900 Los Angeles public schools has significantly increased, particularly around middle schools.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

What this was like or is still like for the kids is unimaginable: they're all still around, middle-aged now, with full lives and a cumulative nine children of their own, and so is Nancy.

The New Yorker

a Around the middle of September 2014 (1 to 2 weeks prior to the eruption).

Earth, Planets and Space

Two readers wrote to me recently with similar quandaries: young sons, around middle-school age, uncomfortable with the language that's beginning to surround them at school.

The New York Times

"In the past, our business was largely concentrated around middle-class consumers who could afford $300 or $400 for a dedicated game console or $1000 for a PC.

The Guardian - Tech

On a recent Sunday night, the hotel lobby felt empty, even eerie, which may have been why the few guests milling around — middle-aged Europeans in well-worn Pumas — felt compelled to whisper.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity, use more precise phrases such as "around the middle" or "in the middle" to avoid ambiguity. The addition of "the" improves grammatical correctness and readability.

Common error

Avoid omitting "the" when referring to the middle of something. Saying "around middle" is grammatically incorrect. Instead, use "around the middle" to correctly indicate proximity to a central point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "around middle" functions as a prepositional phrase, aiming to indicate a location or time that is approximate to the center or midpoint. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect in standard English. Using "around the middle" is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "around middle" appears in various sources, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. It is more appropriate to use "around the middle" or "in the middle" for better clarity and grammatical correctness. The phrase aims to indicate a location or time approximate to the center, but due to its grammatical issues, it's essential to use more precise and standard English alternatives, especially in formal contexts. Examples in Ludwig show varied usage, but prioritize grammatical accuracy to avoid ambiguity. Consider using alternatives such as "near the center" or "approximately midway" to enhance the quality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near the center

Focuses on spatial proximity to the center.

approximately midway

Highlights the halfway point, emphasizing approximation.

in the vicinity of the middle

Emphasizes being close to the middle area.

close to the midpoint

Indicates nearness to the exact middle point.

somewhere in the center

Suggests an indefinite location within the central area.

in the general area of the middle

Indicates a broad, less precise central location.

roughly in the middle

Emphasizes the lack of precision regarding the central location.

in the neighborhood of the middle

Suggests a surrounding area of the middle rather than the exact point.

adjacent to the middle

Highlights being next to or bordering the middle.

in proximity to the middle

Indicates closeness without specifying exact location.

FAQs

How can I correctly use the phrase "around middle" in a sentence?

While the phrase "around middle" is often used, it's grammatically incorrect. Use "around the middle" or "in the middle" instead for better clarity and correctness.

What are some alternatives to "around middle" that I can use in my writing?

Alternatives include "approximately midway", "near the center", or "close to the midpoint", depending on the specific context you intend to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "around middle" or "around the middle"?

"Around the middle" is the grammatically correct and preferred option. The inclusion of "the" makes the phrase clear and follows standard English grammar rules.

What is the difference between "around middle" and "in the middle"?

"Around the middle" suggests proximity to the central point, while "in the middle" indicates a location directly within the central area. Using "around the middle" implies you are near but not exactly at the center.