in the middle of doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the middle of doing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that something is happening at the moment and is not yet finished. For example: "I was in the middle of doing my homework when I heard the phone ring."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was in the middle of doing voiceovers, you know?

Independent

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

The New York Times

That is a problem for companies and banks in the middle of doing deals.

The Economist

"When I'm in the middle of doing what I'm doing I think, 'this is fucking hard'".

The Guardian

So, in the middle of doing my linguistic analysis, I sat down and wrote this book about jocks and burnouts.

Stanford University

I was actually told off in the middle of doing this, by a person I think was speaking Hungarian.

The Guardian - Arts

There was nothing to worry them in that use of the card, but when they came to my house I was in the middle of doing this.

Independent

"We're already in the middle of doing all these things, including escalators and station platforms, but the investment is enormous," he said.

The Washington Post

"I do have Trump supporters I teach, but when we're making something, because you're in the middle of doing it, we're all focused on something else," she said.

The New York Times - Tech

He has to bring it up to date every couple of years; and he's in the middle of doing that now.

The New Yorker

But the intuitions often come in the middle of doing something, so working in Hong Kong, where there's an intuition, you can immediately incorporate it into the action".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the middle of doing" to clearly indicate an action that was interrupted or is currently ongoing. This emphasizes the state of being engaged in the activity at a particular moment.

Common error

Avoid using "in the middle of doing" in formal writing when a more concise alternative, such as "currently doing" or "presently engaged in", would be more suitable. The phrase can sometimes sound informal or conversational.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the middle of doing" functions as a prepositional phrase acting as an adverbial modifier. It describes the timing or circumstances surrounding an action, indicating that something is currently underway. Ludwig provides several examples confirming its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

7%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the middle of doing" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to indicate that an action is currently happening or was interrupted. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to consider more concise alternatives in highly formal writing to maintain clarity. Remember to use this phrase to effectively convey the immediacy and ongoing nature of an action while providing context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the process of doing

This phrase focuses on the steps being taken to complete an action, similar to the original but with more emphasis on the process.

in the act of doing

This alternative emphasizes the moment of performing an action, often used when describing an interruption or a surprising event.

currently doing

This alternative provides a more concise way to express that an action is happening now, omitting the sense of being interrupted.

actively working on

Highlights the effort and active participation in a specific project or task at the moment.

involved in

Focuses on participation in an activity or project, suggesting a deeper level of commitment than simply doing something.

presently engaged in

This option is more formal and emphasizes active involvement in a task or activity at the current time.

occupied in doing

Similar to "busy with", but slightly more formal and emphasizes the state of being engaged in an activity.

busy with

A more informal way of saying someone is occupied with an activity, implying a level of engagement and potentially distraction.

right now doing

A more direct and immediate way to state what someone is currently doing, often used in informal contexts.

undertaking

A formal term suggesting the initiation and continuation of a task, often implying a significant project.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the middle of doing" to describe an action that is currently happening or was interrupted. For example, "I was "in the middle of cooking" when the phone rang" or "She's "in the middle of writing" her thesis".

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

Some alternatives include "currently doing", "in the process of doing", or "presently engaged in". The best choice depends on the specific context and level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "in the middle of doing something"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is widely used. It clearly conveys that an action is ongoing or was interrupted.

What's the difference between "in the middle of doing" and "in the process of doing"?

"In the middle of doing" emphasizes the interruption or the specific moment the action is happening, while "in the process of doing" focuses more on the overall action and its progress. The first implies an action in progress, and the second highlights stages or steps.