in the mist of something

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the mist of something" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used in the form of an idiom, meaning "in the middle of" or "amid" something. For example, you could say, "The team found themselves in the midst of a difficult decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the mist of planning your financial future, never loose sight of being charitable.

Huffington Post

"The turnout was great, especially in the mist of these times," they said.

Vice

The bidding sequence has mercifully been lost in the mists of time but may have been something like that shown in the diagram.

The New York Times - Arts

How gay that fandom was is something that's being lost in the mists of time".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Back in the mists of time when Labour was last in power, workers' capacity to produce was held to be something governments could do something about.

The Guardian

Just the shot of the cab in the mist... like something from a dream.

Huffington Post

Its origins are lost in the mists of time.

Independent

Forgotten, White House officials hoped, in the mists of Washington trivia.

The New York Times

Three good friends lost in the mists of time.

The New Yorker

Peoples come and go, drifting in the mists of time.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The original bronze was lost in the mists of time".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider if "in the midst of something" or a more direct alternative is clearer for your audience. While "in the mist of something" can be evocative, prioritize clear communication.

Common error

Avoid using "in the mist of" when you mean "in the midst of". "Mist" refers to fog, while "midst" means 'middle'. Using "mist" can create confusion, so ensure your word choice aligns with your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the mist of something" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb. It indicates the circumstances or environment in which an action or event occurs, suggesting a degree of obscurity or confusion. Ludwig indicates this phrase is correct but rarely used.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the mist of something" is grammatically valid but infrequently used, as indicated by Ludwig's analysis. It serves to describe a situation as being obscured or unclear. Given its rarity, writers should carefully consider whether more common alternatives like "in the midst of" or "amidst something" would provide greater clarity. The phrase's limited presence across various sources suggests it's best suited for less formal contexts where a touch of evocative language is desired but always prioritizing clear and effective communication. While grammatically correct, prioritize clarity by opting for well-supported alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the midst of something

Uses "midst" instead of "mist", which is more conventional and widely understood to mean in the middle of an event or activity.

amidst something

Replaces "in the mist of" with "amidst", which carries a similar meaning of being surrounded by or during something, maintaining the sense of being within a situation.

in the thick of something

Implies being in the most active or intense part of an event or activity.

surrounded by something

Emphasizes the idea of being enclosed or encompassed by something, rather than just being within it.

engulfed in something

Suggests being overwhelmed or completely covered by something, conveying a stronger sense of immersion.

caught up in something

Highlights the sense of being involved in something, often unexpectedly or unintentionally.

embroiled in something

Indicates being deeply involved in a difficult or complicated situation.

obscured by something

Focuses on the idea of something being hidden or unclear because of something else.

under a cloud of something

Conveys a sense of uncertainty or trouble looming over a situation.

befogged by something

Uses a less common, more literary term to suggest confusion or mental cloudiness caused by something.

FAQs

What does "in the mist of something" mean?

The phrase "in the mist of something" is an idiomatic expression that means in the middle of or amidst something. However, it's less common than phrases like "in the midst of".

Is it correct to say "in the mist of something"?

While grammatically sound, "in the mist of something" is less frequently used than "in the midst of". Consider your audience and the desired tone when choosing between the two.

What are some alternatives to "in the mist of something"?

You can use phrases like "amidst something", "surrounded by something", or "engulfed in something" to convey a similar meaning depending on the specific context.

Which is more common: "in the mist of something" or "in the midst of something"?

"In the midst of something" is significantly more common and widely understood than "in the mist of something". Using "midst" ensures clarity and avoids potential misinterpretation.