in the middle of winter

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the middle of winter" is a grammatically correct phrase and is usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a specific point in time during the winter season. Example: Sara went for a walk in the middle of winter and could feel the crisp air on her cheeks.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

'We arrived in the middle of winter.

The Guardian

It occurred in the middle of winter.

The New Yorker

"You don't stand in the middle of winter.

The New York Times

An open window in the middle of winter?

The New Yorker

The village heating breaks down in the middle of winter.

The Economist

"In the middle of winter, it's a big expanse.

The Guardian - Books

His face and feet were really tan even in the middle of winter.

The New York Times

It can get noisy during the summer, but is tranquil in the middle of winter.

The New Yorker

"I would do it again in a flash — though maybe not in the middle of winter".

The New York Times

Few experiences are more haunting than visiting a refugee camp in the middle of winter.

The New Yorker

Put that all together in the middle of winter and you have got a problem.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the middle of winter", ensure the context clearly indicates a specific point in time within the winter season, not just a general reference to winter.

Common error

Don't assume the reader understands the specific timeframe you're referring to. If necessary, provide additional details to clarify the particular week or month you mean by "in the middle of winter".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the middle of winter" functions as an adverbial phrase of time, specifying when an action or event occurs. It provides temporal context, indicating that something happens during the coldest or most intense part of the winter season. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

15%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the middle of winter" serves as an adverbial phrase denoting a specific time during the winter season. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, its neutral register suits diverse writing contexts. To ensure clarity, provide context regarding the timeframe meant by "in the middle of winter". Alternatives such as "midwinter", "during winter's peak", and "in the depths of winter" can offer variety. Overall, the phrase is a versatile way to set a temporal scene, often associated with hardship or intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Midwinter

A single word to convey the same period, slightly more concise.

During winter's peak

Rephrases to emphasize the height or most intense part of winter.

In the depths of winter

Highlights the severity or intensity of the winter season.

At the height of winter

Similar to 'during winter's peak', emphasizing the peak period.

In the heart of winter

Uses 'heart' as a metaphor for the central or most significant part.

Deep into winter

Describes progress into the season, implying a late stage.

In winter's embrace

More poetic, suggesting winter's encompassing effect.

At winter solstice

Refers to a specific astronomical event marking the middle of winter.

During the coldest months

Focuses on the temperature aspect of the season.

When winter is at its strongest

Highlights the force or impact of the winter season.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the middle of winter" to describe events or conditions occurring during the coldest part of the year. For example: "The village heating breaks down "in the middle of winter"." or "Few experiences are more haunting than visiting a refugee camp "in the middle of winter"."

What phrases are similar to "in the middle of winter"?

Similar phrases include "midwinter", "during winter's peak", or "in the depths of winter", which all refer to the same period.

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

"In the middle of winter" refers to a specific time frame, the coldest part of the season, whereas "during winter" is more general and encompasses the entire season. Choose the phrase that best fits the level of specificity you require.

What is the significance of the phrase "in the middle of winter"?

The phrase "in the middle of winter" often connotes harsh conditions, scarcity, or a challenging time. It can be used to emphasize the intensity of events or feelings during this period.