caught in the middle of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "caught in the middle of" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a phrase used to describe someone who is in a difficult position, or is unable to make a decision, because multiple sides in a situation are in conflict. For example, "John felt he was caught in the middle of his parents' argument, unable to take either side."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Unfortunately, she got caught in the middle of it".

The New York Times

People caught in the middle of this should be worried.

The Guardian

They do not want to find China caught in the middle of a huge international crisis.

The Economist

Sometimes hundreds or thousands of civilians are caught in the middle of such manhunts.

The New Yorker

"It was a controversy, and I didn't want to get caught in the middle of it.

The New Yorker

We were caught in the middle of a political battle that resulted in a logistical nightmare.

The New York Times

"The people we work with in I.T. are caught in the middle of that trend".

The New York Times

"We and our children are the ones caught in the middle of all this.

The New York Times

He said he regretted that Ms. Cordova was caught in the middle of the controversy.

The New York Times

"These people were definitely caught in the middle of the night and meant to be killed".

The New York Times

Thousands of American soldiers would be caught in the middle of the resulting mess.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "caught in the middle of", ensure the context clearly identifies the opposing forces or elements involved to enhance clarity.

Common error

Don't use "caught in the middle of" without specifying what exactly one is caught between; always provide context for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "caught in the middle of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate a state of being involved in a conflict or difficult situation between two or more parties. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "caught in the middle of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe being in a difficult or compromised position due to conflicting forces. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various communicative purposes. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the opposing forces involved, and consider alternative phrases like "stuck in the crossfire" to adjust the nuance. Ludwig examples show it's a very frequent expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stuck in the crossfire

This alternative emphasizes the danger and conflict inherent in the situation.

embroiled in a conflict

This suggests a deeper, more complex involvement in the dispute.

in a difficult position

This alternative is more general and focuses on the challenging aspect of the situation.

between a rock and a hard place

This idiom highlights the lack of good options.

in the hot seat

This implies pressure and scrutiny from multiple sides.

in a bind

This indicates a restrictive and uncomfortable situation.

facing conflicting demands

This alternative focuses on the pressures from opposing sides.

walking a tightrope

This metaphor describes the precariousness of trying to please everyone.

on the horns of a dilemma

This phrase emphasizes the difficult choice between two undesirable options.

navigating a minefield

This suggests the presence of hidden dangers and potential for mistakes.

FAQs

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

You can use "caught in the middle of" to describe someone who is in a difficult situation because they are involved in a conflict between two or more people or groups. For instance, "The employee felt "caught in the middle of" the dispute between the two managers".

What's a less common way to say "caught in the middle of"?

Alternatives to "caught in the middle of" include phrases like "stuck in the crossfire", or "embroiled in a conflict", which add different nuances to the situation.

Which is correct, "caught in the middle of" or "caught in middle of"?

"Caught in the middle of" is the correct and idiomatic expression. Omitting the word "the" changes the meaning and sounds grammatically incorrect.

What does it mean to be "stuck in the crossfire" compared to being "caught in the middle of"?

While both phrases imply involvement in a conflict, "stuck in the crossfire" suggests a more dangerous and involuntary position than simply being "caught in the middle of".