positioned in the middle of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "positioned in the middle of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the location of an object or element that is situated centrally within a particular space or context. Example: "The statue is positioned in the middle of the park, making it a focal point for visitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is a hose positioned in the middle of the lid that carries some exhaust away from the car.

The New York Times - Sports

On a cold day, the rooms are warmed by small heaters positioned in the middle of the floor.

The Guardian - Books

The turret, positioned in the middle of the ship, was nine feet high, with an interior diameter of 20 feet.

The New York Times

Most minerals of this group contain hydroxyls positioned in the middle of the sixfold rings of tetrahedrons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although that's going to help: one of the runners just ran head-first into the 1km marker post, which was positioned in the middle of the road.

The Guardian - Sport

After all, it goes with the big fireplace in the living room, well positioned in the middle of the south wall.

The New York Times

The concern would be that the field may emerge from the stalls, positioned in the middle of the course, and immediately start edging over to the stands' side.

The Guardian - Sport

Positioned in the middle of the stage was Kyle's battle cross: a geometric arrangement of his boots, his helmet, and his Kevlar jacket (with the Punisher logo).

The New Yorker

The ball was positioned in the middle of the field, not on a hash mark, which affected the Jets' defensive call.

The New York Times - Sports

Midwings, positioned in the middle of the fuselage, leave the airplane belly free of spars, with room for bombs or cargo.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mediate, who was making his first competitive appearance since the playoff, was positioned in the middle of the first row — a fitting placement because he would be front and center all day.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing spatial arrangements, ensure that using "positioned in the middle of" accurately conveys the intended centrality, considering potential alternatives if a different nuance is desired. For instance, if the item is equally distant from several points, "equidistant from" could be more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "positioned in the middle of" in contexts where simpler phrases like "in the center of" or "at the heart of" would be more concise and equally effective. Overusing the longer phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "positioned in the middle of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It indicates the spatial location of something, specifying that it is located centrally within a defined area or object. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and prevalence in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "positioned in the middle of" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to indicate a central location, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a prepositional phrase, typically providing descriptive spatial information in both formal and informal contexts, although more concise alternatives may be suitable in some instances. The phrase is common in both scientific and media sources. Therefore, writers should feel confident using "positioned in the middle of" when accurately describing a central location but should also consider brevity where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In the center of

A more concise and direct synonym.

Right in the middle of

Adds emphasis to the central location, suggesting directness or obviousness.

Located centrally within

Uses "located" instead of "positioned", emphasizing the fixed location, and "centrally" for a more concise expression of "in the middle of".

Centrally located in

Combines "centrally" and "located" for emphasis, indicating a key or convenient position.

Situated at the center of

Replaces "positioned" with "situated", implying a more permanent or established placement, and uses "center" as a synonym for "middle".

At the heart of

Employs a metaphor, suggesting the central location is also essential or fundamental.

Midway through

Indicates a position at the halfway point, specifically useful when describing progression or linear arrangements.

In the thick of

Suggests being deeply involved or surrounded by something, with the central location implying immersion.

Equidistant from

Indicates an equal distance from multiple points, implying a central position relative to those points.

Amidst

A more literary or formal way to say "in the middle of", often used to describe being surrounded by something.

FAQs

What phrases can I use instead of "positioned in the middle of"?

You can use alternatives like "located centrally within", "situated at the center of", or simply "in the center of" depending on the context.

Is "positioned in the middle of" formal or informal?

The phrase "positioned in the middle of" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might consider alternatives like "centrally located" for conciseness.

How do I use "positioned in the middle of" in a sentence?

Use "positioned in the middle of" to describe the location of an object or element that is centrally located within a specific space or context. For example: "The statue is positioned in the middle of the park."

What's the difference between "positioned in the middle of" and "at the heart of"?

While both phrases indicate a central location, "positioned in the middle of" is more literal, referring to a physical location. "At the heart of" is often used metaphorically to suggest something is essential or fundamental.