The terms in the middle and in the center may seem interchangeable at first, but there are some occasions where only one is correct.
In this article we will explain the main differences between center vs middle and how to use each one correctly. You’ll find example sentences to make everything clear about these commonly confused words!
Center vs middle
The words middle and center (or centre, with British spelling) both refer to a point or area that is equally far from all boundaries or edges of an area. In this sense, you could consider the words synonyms – at least when used as nouns. However, this is not strictly true since in some contexts only ‘center’ or ‘middle should be used. We’ll cover these in just a moment.
‘Center’ can also be used as a verb, meaning to position something in the center. There is no equivalent for ‘middle’ that is commonly used in English.
‘Middle’ is, on the other hand, more often used as an adjective. It can be placed before a noun to refer to the one(s) in the middle, as in ‘middle distance’ or ‘middle part’.
What’s the difference between center and middle?
Generally speaking, the center of something refers to a more precise location than the middle. There are also some situations when only one or the other is correct.
Let’s take a look at some specific examples of how to use center vs middle.
In the center
‘In the center’ usually refers to a precise point that is an equal distance between all the edges of a shape or area. This term is often used in mathematics and geometry where a precise measurement is required.
- The table must be positioned in the center of the room.
- The dolphin fountain in the center of the swimming pool is spectacular.
- Make sure you print the logo in the center of each placemat.
Note that in geometry, the point on a line segment that is equally far from each end is called the ‘midpoint’.
Town or city center
The ‘center’ of a town or city refers to the main commercial area in that place. Although this should logically be near the middle of the town or city’s boundaries, it doesn’t refer to an exact midpoint.
- Let’s avoid driving through the city center; the traffic will be terrible.
- They are planning to meet in the town center to go shopping.
In the middle
‘In the middle’ can also refer to the point in the center of an area, but it is a less precise term. It can be used as an approximation when the exact distance from the edges isn’t important.
- We all gathered in the middle of the office to wish Lindsey a happy birthday.
- I’m thinking of planting a tree in the middle of my garden.
- The plane crashed in the middle of the field.
- I spotted him in the middle of the crowd.
In the middle of a road, river, etc.
We use ‘in the middle’ for a route such as a road, river or path. This refers to a point or position an equal distance between each of the sides, but it has no relation to the distance from the start or end of the route.
- I hate people who drive down the middle of the road with no regard for others.
- Try to keep the raft in the middle of the river to avoid the rocks.
- Someone should remove that boulder from the middle of the path before there’s an accident.
‘Middle of the road’ is also a driving idiom that refers to something average or ordinary.
To refer to the midpoint along the length of a river, road, or track, you can use ‘halfway’:
- Halfway down the river we hit a rock.
- Halfway along the road there is a petrol station.
- We have a long drive ahead but we’ll stop halfway to get some lunch.
This is unlikely to refer to an exact midpoint unless used in a mathematical context.
Another pair of confusing words that refer to distance are further and farther.
In the middle of a period of time
‘In the middle’ is also used to talk about a point in time approximately halfway through the given period or event:
- I’m planning to take a holiday in the middle of April.
- In the middle of the party there was a power cut.
- Let’s catch up again in the middle of next week.
Check out some more ways to talk about time here.
‘In the middle of’ can also just mean that you are currently engaged or engrossed in the activity:
- He was annoyed to be interrupted in the middle of a meeting.
- I’ll help you later; I’m in the middle of cooking dinner right now.
- The police caught the gang in the middle of their raid.
- Can I call you back in 10 minutes? I’m just in the middle of something.
Figurative uses of center and middle
We can use the phrases ‘in the center’ and ‘in the middle’ in a more figurative sense, too. Here, they do not necessarily refer to a physical location or a point in time.
Center of attention / controversy
In this case, the person in question is the main focus of attention in a particular situation:
- Here comes the politician at the center of the controversy.
- I hate being the center of attention so I tend to stay off social media.
In the middle of nowhere
This is a phrase you can use to describe a place that is remote or far from civilization.
- The hiking trail led us to the middle of nowhere!
- His car broke down in the middle of nowhere and he had to sleep in it overnight.
Piggy in the middle
This is a chiefly British playground game in which two or more people throw a ball or another object with the aim of keeping it away from a third person. The person trying to take the ball is the ‘piggy’.
This phrase can also be used to describe a situation where a person is involved in an argument between two sides, but they themselves want to remain neutral.
- I always feel like piggy in the middle when my parents are arguing.
- It’s clear that Alan has ended up as piggy in the middle between Josh and Ishmael.
So, now you have a better idea of when to use center vs middle, especially with the phrases ‘in the center’ and ‘in the middle’. If you’re still unclear on the difference between center and middle, you are welcome to leave a comment below.
You might also find it helpful to read about some more easily confused English words.
