trapped in the midst of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trapped in the midst of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is caught or confined within a particular environment or circumstance, often implying a sense of being surrounded or overwhelmed. Example: "She felt trapped in the midst of the chaos, unable to find a way out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It is shuttered now, trapped in the midst of a dystopia that could have been the product of JG Ballard's imagination.

The Guardian - Arts

Progress in the gruelling ground offensive, launched last week, had been slow, with the militants entrenched in a city that remains home to thousands of civilians trapped in the midst of the battle.

The Guardian

These colleges are trapped in the midst of the state budget crises, shutting down programs and firing staff just to keep their doors open.

Huffington Post

"Do you want bombs and missiles to blow up your house?" Every parent has the right to put her/his child to sleep each night without any risk of that child being shot, trapped in the midst of some hostile crossfire -- be it in Afghanistan, Syria, The Congo, Palestine, Paris or Chicago.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The E.P.A., which the Supreme Court granted authority to regulate carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases, is in the midst of writing regulations governing such emissions from new power plants.

The New York Times

Ancient lanes and Georgian brick houses still survive in the midst of Milton Keynes, trapped among the precast concrete terraces, the business parks and the traffic-segregating underpasses.

The Guardian

Only when we can look back will we know whether Wall Street is currently in the midst of a bear market trap.

Forbes

In the midst of unconscious feelings of guilt the experience of being trapped is generated [ 32].

BMC Medical Ethics

The exact fate of Sir Jean de Carrouges in the midst of this melee is unknown but it is probable that he fell close to his commander Jean de Vienne, whose forces were trapped in a gully and decimated by Turkish cavalry.

Wikipedia

And Alice in the midst of this.

The New Yorker

In the midst of the deepest,.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trapped in the midst of", ensure the context clearly defines what is causing the entrapment. For example, "trapped in the midst of a political scandal" provides a specific and understandable situation.

Common error

Avoid using "trapped in the midst of" in situations that are not genuinely restrictive or overwhelming. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trapped in the midst of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, providing context about the state of being confined or caught within a particular situation or environment. Ludwig provides examples that highlight its usage in various scenarios.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trapped in the midst of" is a prepositional phrase used to describe a state of being confined or overwhelmed by surrounding circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, while also suggesting alternative phrases like "caught in the thick of" or "stuck in the middle of". The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral register. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid sounding overly dramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

caught in the thick of

Replaces "midst" with "thick", emphasizing the density or intensity of the surrounding situation.

stuck in the middle of

Uses "stuck" instead of "trapped", suggesting a less dire situation but still implying confinement.

embroiled in the heart of

Emphasizes involvement and entanglement in the center of a situation, using "embroiled".

immersed in the center of

Focuses on being deeply involved or surrounded by something.

confined within the boundaries of

Highlights the restriction and limitation imposed by the surrounding environment.

engulfed by the chaos of

Highlights the feeling of being overwhelmed by a chaotic situation.

enmeshed in the complexities of

Implies entanglement in intricate and complicated circumstances.

circumscribed by the limits of

Stresses the limitations and boundaries that restrict one's movement or freedom.

caught up in the vortex of

Suggests being drawn into a turbulent or overwhelming situation.

held captive by the circumstances of

Emphasizes the lack of freedom and control due to prevailing circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "trapped in the midst of" in a sentence?

You can use "trapped in the midst of" to describe a situation where someone is caught or confined within a particular environment or circumstance. For example: "The city was "trapped in the midst of" a severe economic crisis".

What can I say instead of "trapped in the midst of"?

You can use alternatives like "caught in the middle of", "stuck in the center of", or "embroiled in the heart of" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "trapped in the middle of" or "trapped in the midst of"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "trapped in the midst of" often implies a more intense or overwhelming situation than "trapped in the middle of".

What is the difference between "trapped in" and "trapped in the midst of"?

"Trapped in" generally indicates confinement within a specific location or situation. "Trapped in the midst of" emphasizes being surrounded or overwhelmed by the circumstances within that situation.