Meaning
「I’m in the middle of」は、何かをしている最中であることを表現する英語のフレーズです。この表現は、ちょうど何かに取り組んでいて、それを中断するのが難しい状況を伝えたいときによく使われます。たとえば、電話をしているときに誰かが話しかけてきた場合、「I’m in the middle of a call」（電話中です）と言うことで、今は他のことに集中できないことを伝えることができます。
このフレーズは、進行中の活動やタスクを中断したくないときに非常に便利です。例えば、「I’m in the middle of cooking」（料理の最中です）や「I’m in the middle of reading a book」（本を読んでいる途中です）といった具合に使います。
「I’m in the middle of」は、何かが中途半端な状態であることを示すため、相手に少し待ってもらいたいときに適しています。ですから、誰かに時間を要する作業中であることを伝える際に、このフレーズを使ってみてください。
Today's Sentences
- I'm in the middle of dinner.
- I'm in the middle of doing my homework.
- I'm in the middle of writing an email.
- I'm in the middle of practicing the guitar.
- I'm in the middle of doing something.
- Writer's Note
01
I'm in the middle of dinner.
Situation 1
Can you help me do my homework?
I'm in the middle of dinner.
Ok, can we look over it after you’re done?
Of course.
Situation 2
I’d like you to send an email to the head supervisor.
I'm in the middle of dinner.
I’m sorry, would you be able to send it after?
Yes, I’ll be sure to do that.
02
I’m in the middle of doing my homework.
Situation
Can you help me fold the laundry?
I'm in the middle of doing my homework.
Come and help when you’re done then.
I will.
03
I’m in the middle of writing an email.
Situation 1
Let’s have lunch!
I'm in the middle of writing an email.
When are you on lunch then?
As soon as I send this email out.
04
I’m in the middle of practicing the guitar.
Situation 1
Come and play with our ensemble tonight!
Actually, I'm in the middle of practicing the guitar.
I didn’t know you were busy.
Yes, I have a recital tomorrow.
Situation 2
Wanna watch a movie tonight?
I’d love to but I'm in the middle of practicing the guitar.
Oh, that’s too bad.
Maybe next time!
05
I’m in the middle of doing something.
Situation 1
I need you to wash the dishes and do the laundry.
I'm in the middle of doing something.
Is it important?
It is and it would be nice if you asked more politely next time.
Situation 2
Let’s have a quick meeting.
I'm in the middle of doing something.
Is it urgent?
Yes it is, can you reschedule the meeting at another time?
Writer’s Note
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been interrupted while I was in the middle of doing something. It could have been at work while I was super focused or it could have been when I was at home making dinner and both kids were telling me something at the same time. It could have been while I was listening to music or doing dishes and for some reason, the phone rings at the same time the kids are fighting and your partner is asking you a question. Ah.. life. Gets so crazy sometimes but now you know the perfect phrase to tell your coworkers or family that you’re busy. In a nice way.
Sometimes English sentences seem extra long but treat longer sentences as chunks for example, "I’m in the middle of" is one chunk and the rest of the sentence is another.
