in the middle of conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the middle of conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a conversation that is currently in progress. For example, "We had to pause our conversation when the waiter brought our meal, but we quickly picked up right in the middle of the conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The slightly offbeat laughter in the middle of conversation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the middle of conversation he started talking about how he could cut me in on a cocaine deal," Mr. Sharpton said.

The New York Times

Patients are more likely to forget details in the middle of conversation, to not understand the questions, or to forget the context of the question.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Songs come to me in the middle of conversation.

Huffington Post

Friends came over and burst into tears in the middle of conversation.

Vice

Others may respond best to your just blurting it casually in the middle of conversation.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Judy has taken up folksinging, and she irritates him by singing ballads in the middle of conversations.

The New Yorker

It was hard to see in the low light, and some people, in the middle of conversations, had their backs to him.

The New Yorker

Ian Christner, a mental-health advocate who worked with Aron, said that Kellner adopted a paternal attitude toward Aron, who was often so high that he nodded off in the middle of conversations.

The New Yorker

As soon as Mr. Roney commenced to swing, the noise level in the club immediately dropped off, and those in the middle of conversations or laughing and joking turned their attention to the bandstand.

The New York Times - Arts

It signals a temporary departure from the present and often interjects in the middle of conversations with deliberations on the ethics or morality of a challenging situation.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing unexpected interruptions or sudden changes of topic, using "in the middle of conversation" can effectively convey the abruptness and surprise.

Common error

While "in the middle of conversation" is generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "during the discussion" or "in the course of the discussion" for academic or professional contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the middle of conversation" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as an adverbial modifier. It indicates the timing or setting of an action or event, specifying that it occurred during an ongoing discussion. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various narrative and descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the middle of conversation" is a grammatically correct and usable prepositional phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier. According to Ludwig, this phrase helps specify that an action or event occurred during an ongoing discussion, often implying an interruption or unexpected occurrence. While suitable for news, general writing and even some scientific contexts, more formal alternatives may be preferred in highly academic or professional settings. Its usage is frequent across various online platforms, including news articles and wiki pages. When aiming for clarity and impact when describing events that disrupt dialogue, "in the middle of conversation" serves as a potent and descriptive choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mid-conversation

A shorter, more concise way to express the same concept.

during the conversation

Focuses on the overall time frame of the discussion, omitting the sense of an abrupt interruption.

in the midst of our talk

Adds a sense of immediacy and potential disruption.

in the course of the discussion

More formal, referring to the entire span of the exchange.

partway through the discussion

Emphasizes the progression of the discussion when the event occurred.

while conversing

Highlights the action of talking when something happens.

as we were talking

Emphasizes the unfolding of events during the speech.

amid the dialogue

Focuses on the verbal exchange aspect, can be used in literature analysis.

while in dialogue

Focuses on the state of being engaged in a conversation.

during our chat

More informal, implies a friendly and casual atmosphere.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the middle of conversation" to indicate that something happened during an ongoing discussion. For instance, "He suddenly changed the topic in the middle of conversation".

What are some alternatives to "in the middle of conversation"?

Alternatives include "during the conversation", "mid-conversation", or "as we were talking", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "in the middle of a conversation" or "during a conversation"?

Both are correct, but "in the middle of a conversation" emphasizes a more abrupt interruption, while "during a conversation" refers to something happening at some point within the timeframe of the discussion.

Can "in the middle of conversation" be used in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "in the middle of conversation" is more suited for informal or neutral contexts. Consider using alternatives like "in the course of the discussion" for a more formal tone.