in the middle of them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the middle of them" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a position or situation where something or someone is located centrally among a group of people or objects. Example: "She felt a sense of comfort being in the middle of them during the celebration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the middle of them, Orlando Hernandez danced.

The New York Times - Sports

Yeah, and no files in the middle of them either.

The Guardian - Sport

"You feel morbid and tortured when you're in the middle of them.

Independent

Yet smack in the middle of them are these feckless numbers.

The New Yorker

A boy of twenty, with one arm missing, sat in the middle of them.

The New Yorker

In the middle of them lies a scene of tanks rolling through Tiananmen Square.

The Washington Post

But in 2001, a black hole was unrolled in the middle of them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then I noticed this content, if somewhat bemused, dog in the middle of them.

The Guardian - Travel

What a cast of characters, and here I was, right in the middle of them!

The New York Times

Instead of covering seminal events after the fact, magazines can get right in the middle of them in real time.

The New York Times

People have this sense when they see their towns pulled apart and concrete blocks put in the middle of them.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the nuance you wish to convey. Alternatives like "among them" may be more concise in formal writing. Consider "in their midst" or "surrounded by them" for emphasis and stylistic variation.

Common error

Avoid using "in the middle of them" when the referent of "them" is unclear or ambiguous. Ensure the antecedent is clearly defined in the preceding context to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the middle of them" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by indicating location or position. It specifies where someone or something is situated relative to a group of entities. Ludwig confirms its proper use and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

15%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the middle of them" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate a central position within a group. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's versatile and appropriate for various contexts, though clarity in defining "them" is crucial. While alternatives like "among them" and "surrounded by them" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you aim to convey. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, but it's acceptable for use across a range of writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

among them

This alternative is a more concise synonym, often used in formal contexts.

surrounded by them

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of being encircled or enclosed.

at the heart of them

This alternative suggests a central or essential position.

within their midst

This alternative is a more formal and literary way of expressing the same idea.

in their company

This alternative emphasizes the presence of others, focusing on companionship.

amidst them

A slightly archaic alternative that evokes a sense of being surrounded.

in their circle

This alternative suggests a more exclusive or intimate group.

amongst their number

This alternative emphasizes that the subject is part of a larger group.

enclosed by them

This alternative focuses on the feeling of being contained or confined.

in the thick of it

This idiomatic alternative implies being deeply involved or immersed in a situation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "in the middle of them" is used to describe something or someone positioned centrally within a group. For example: "She felt safe being "in the middle of them" during the storm".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "among them", "surrounded by them", or "at the heart of them".

Is there a difference between "among them" and "in the middle of them"?

While both phrases indicate being within a group, "in the middle of them" suggests a more central position, whereas "among them" simply implies being part of the group without necessarily being in the center.

When should I use "amidst them" instead of "in the middle of them"?

The phrase "amidst them" is a more formal and somewhat archaic alternative, best suited for literary or historical contexts. "In the middle of them" is generally more appropriate for contemporary writing.