in the middle of play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the middle of play" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or action occurring during a game or performance. Example: "The children were laughing and running around in the middle of play at the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

You are forced to think in the middle of play.

The New York Times - Arts

When they become unruly, Rawls stepped onto the court in the middle of play and stopped the game.

The Washington Post

In the middle of play, a girl-member of their group rode across the line of scrimmage on a skateboard.

The New Yorker

But a moment later, the call to prayer blared out over a tinny speaker, and the ball was abandoned in the middle of play.

The New York Times

So it seemed out of character Friday night when Collins, a Nets center, stopped in the middle of play to confront the Knicks' Kurt Thomas, nose to nose.

The New York Times - Sports

An upgraded version of Kinect is one of the centrepieces of Xbox One, and rightly so – because what seems gimmicky when you're waving at it to change TV channels can become, in the middle of play, little less than a miracle.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

On Radio 3 they appeared to be in the middle of playing a series of concerts of Max's music played in Gateshead.

The Guardian - Music

The problems stem from so-called 'freemium' games which encourage kids to buy extra goodies while they're in the middle of playing.

Independent

FLYING HELMETS The league is tracking how often helmets fly off in the middle of plays and discussing it with equipment managers, Rich McKay said.

The New York Times - Sports

In the middle of playing his favorite Nascar video game, he suddenly started crying, tearing up tissues and saying, "no school, no school" over and over.

The New York Times

But when Harrison signed with the Steelers in 2002 as an undrafted player, he was so clueless about the defense that he would stop in the middle of plays during practice, driving his coach, Bill Cowher, to distraction.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the middle of play", ensure the context is clear. It's best suited for describing immediate actions or interruptions during a game, performance, or other playful activity.

Common error

Avoid using "in the middle of play" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives such as "during the game" or "mid-performance" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the middle of play" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating when an action occurs. It specifies that something happens during an ongoing game, performance, or activity, providing temporal context, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "in the middle of play" is a grammatically correct expression that describes when an action occurs during an activity, such as a game or performance. While categorized as 'Uncommon' in frequency, it's used in various contexts, especially in News & Media. As Ludwig AI indicates, it functions as an adverbial phrase to specify timing and is generally deemed acceptable. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "during the game" or "mid-performance" to ensure a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mid-game

A shorter, more concise way to express the same idea, implying 'during the game'.

during the game

Focuses on the time frame of the game itself.

while playing

Emphasizes the action of playing rather than the specific moment.

during gameplay

More specific to video games, referring to the active process of playing the game.

amidst the action

Highlights the dynamic and busy environment of a play or game.

in the course of the game

Formal alternative, focusing on the unfolding events within the game.

during the performance

Broader term applicable to any kind of performance, not just games.

at halftime

Refers specifically to the break time in the middle of a game.

within the playing field

Focuses on the physical location where the game or play is happening.

in the heat of the moment

Emphasizes the intensity and emotional state during a critical point in the play or game.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the middle of play" to describe an interruption or action that occurs during a game or performance. For example, "The referee stopped the game "in the middle of play" to address an issue."

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

For formal contexts, consider using phrases like "during the game", "mid-performance", or "during gameplay". These alternatives provide a more professional and precise tone.

Is "in the middle of play" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "in the middle of play" might sound too informal for academic writing. Strive for clearer and more specific language depending on the context.

How does "in the middle of play" compare to "during the game"?

"In the middle of play" emphasizes a specific interruption or action occurring at a particular point, whereas "during the game" is a broader term that encompasses the entire duration of the game. Consider the context to determine the most fitting phrase.