is in the middle of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is in the middle of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is currently happening or to indicate a position between two points in time or space. Example: "The project is in the middle of its final phase, and we expect to complete it by next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

DICE is in the middle of Stockholm.

The New York Times - Tech

Chongqing is in the middle of it.

The Guardian

It is in the middle of nowhere.

The New York Times

It is in the middle of everything.

The New York Times - Travel

Entrepreneurial education is in the middle of a major transition.

University of California, Berkeley

King's Cross is in the middle of a cultural revolution.

The Guardian - Travel

The whole world is in the middle of a revolution.

The Guardian

The hydraulic fracture is in the middle of blue color.

Nature

The wellbore is in the middle of the figure.

Nature

Dublin is in the middle of a building boom.

The New York Times - Arts

Baltimore is in the middle of a murder crisis.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is in the middle of" to clearly indicate that something is currently happening, progressing, or located centrally. For instance, "The company is in the middle of a major restructuring."

Common error

Avoid redundant prepositions after "middle". It's correct to say "in the middle of", but avoid constructions like "in the middle from" or "in the middle within".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is in the middle of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating location, state, or ongoing action. As evidenced by Ludwig, it links a subject with its current position in space, time, or circumstance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is in the middle of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is currently happening, is centrally located, or is in a state of transition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's important to avoid redundant prepositions and consider more formal alternatives like "is amidst" or "is undergoing" depending on the context. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively incorporate "is in the middle of" into their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is at the center of

Emphasizes the central location or importance of something.

is in the process of

Focuses on the ongoing nature of an action or development.

is amidst

Implies being surrounded by or in the process of experiencing something.

is centrally located in

Emphasizes the central location within a specific area.

is undergoing

Focuses on the process or experience of something happening.

is experiencing

Highlights the direct experience of a particular state or event.

is currently facing

Emphasizes the challenges or situations one is dealing with.

is situated centrally within

Highlights the geographical location and centrality.

is deeply involved in

Indicates active participation or engagement.

is entangled in

Suggests a complex or difficult situation one is involved in.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is in the middle of" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "is undergoing", "is experiencing", or "is amidst", depending on the context.

What does it mean when something "is in the middle of" something else?

It generally means that something is centrally located within a space, time, or process. It can also indicate active involvement or ongoing progress, as in "the project is in the middle of its development phase".

Is there a difference between "is in the middle of" and "is in the midst of"?

While both phrases are similar, "is in the midst of" often implies a more intense or challenging situation. "Is in the middle of" is a more general expression of being partway through something.

Can "is in the middle of" be used to describe emotions or abstract concepts?

Yes, it can. You can say someone "is in the middle of a crisis" or "is in the middle of a difficult decision", indicating that they are currently experiencing or dealing with those situations.