Meaning & use
midstream
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Meanings
adverb
In the middle of a river or stream, or in the middle of an activity that is already happening.
Grammar: Often used after a verb of motion or after 'in': swim midstream, stop in midstream.
Patterns
- in midstream
- stop midstream
- change something in midstream
The boat drifted midstream, away from both banks.
She was halfway through her speech when she stopped in midstream and looked at the audience.
The company changed its plan in midstream, which confused everyone.
adjectivebefore a noun
Located in the middle of a stream or river.
Grammar: Comes before a noun: midstream rocks, midstream current.
Patterns
- midstream rocks
- midstream current
The midstream rocks made the water dangerous for small boats.
Fishermen stood on the midstream sandbar.
Common combinations
- in midstream
- The project was stopped in midstream when the money ran out.
- change horses in midstream
- It's risky to change leaders in midstream during a crisis.
- stop in midstream
- He stopped in midstream and forgot what he was saying.
- midstream current
- The midstream current is stronger than it looks.
Synonyms and how they differ
- midway
- Means at the middle point of a distance or process, not specifically in water.
- halfway
- Focuses on being at the 50% point of an activity; 'midstream' often suggests interruption.
Commonly confused: midstream or midstream (as one word)?
midstream vs midstream (as one word)
It is written as one word, not 'mid stream' or 'mid-stream'.
Practice
The manager decided to change the team's strategy ______.
Choose one answer.
The fixed phrase is 'in midstream', meaning while something is already happening. Other prepositions do not fit this idiom.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “midstream”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.