in utero

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in utero" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a Latin phrase meaning "in the uterus" or more generally, "in the womb," and it is often used in a scientific or medical context. For example, you might say: "This promising new drug has the potential to prevent birth defects in utero."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Eventually, the fetus died in utero.

The New Yorker

I have a grandchild in utero.

The New York Times

Nirvana's musical response was In Utero.

The Guardian - Music

And we have just successfully frosted tips in utero.

The New Yorker

"Then it's a reef case!" Comedy in utero.

The Guardian

"You know, most biologists and psychologists will tell you that you're basically formed in utero, either in utero or in the first six months," he said.

The New York Times

"I heard that a newborn in Syracuse died from West Nile contracted in utero".

The New York Times - Magazine

Was Gordon a hermaphrodite or was he among those transsexuals whose brains are "feminized" in utero?

The New York Times - Books

Mrs. Lerman came to think his condition was either genetic or virus-induced in utero.

The New York Times - Arts

9.46pm BST Nirvana cover art The model for the cover of In Utero by Nirvana.

The Guardian - Travel

The 20th anniversary reissue of In Utero is out on 23 Sep.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a general audience, consider using simpler terms like "before birth" or "during pregnancy" instead of "in utero" to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "in utero" in contexts where the biological or medical specificity isn't necessary. Using it inappropriately can sound overly formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in utero" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify the location or timing of an event or condition as occurring within the uterus. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in utero" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase, predominantly used in formal scientific and medical contexts to denote events occurring within the uterus. As affirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans across various authoritative sources, including news outlets and scientific journals. While alternatives such as "before birth" or "during pregnancy" exist for broader audiences, "in utero" offers precision in technical discussions. Therefore, while being careful to choose the simpler alternatives when writing for a non-specialized audience, ensure that you correctly use "in utero" when exactness is necessary, especially in scientific writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

within the womb

Replaces the Latin term with a more straightforward English phrase.

during intrauterine life

Uses a more technical term for life within the uterus.

while in the uterus

Specifies the location and condition explicitly.

prenatally

Uses a single word to indicate the period before birth.

inside the maternal womb

Highlights the maternal aspect and the enclosed environment.

during fetal development

Focuses on the developmental aspect of the time period.

during gestation

Emphasizes the period of pregnancy and development.

in the prenatal stage

Refers to the stage of development before birth.

before birth

Offers a simplified, more general temporal reference.

prior to parturition

Employs a formal, medical term for childbirth to define the period.

FAQs

How can I use "in utero" in a sentence?

You can use "in utero" to describe events or conditions occurring within the uterus before birth, such as "The infection was transmitted "in utero"".

What's the difference between "in utero" and "in vivo"?

"In utero" refers specifically to processes occurring within the uterus, while "in vivo" refers to processes occurring within a living organism.

Are there simpler alternatives to "in utero"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "before birth", "during pregnancy", or "within the womb".

Is "in utero" a formal term?

Yes, "in utero" is a formal, Latin term often used in medical and scientific contexts. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives may be preferred.