Is It “In Between,” “Inbetween,” or “Between”?

English learners often encounter words or phrases that appear similar yet differ in meaning, grammar, or usage. One example that causes frequent confusion is deciding whether to write “in between,” “inbetween,” or simply “between.”

These three forms may look related, but only one of them is correct in formal writing. Understanding the differences is important not only for accuracy but also for clear communication in both spoken and written English.

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What Does “Between” Mean?

“Between” is a preposition used to describe the relationship of something with two distinct points, objects, people, or ideas. The word comes from Old English “betweonum,” which has been in use for hundreds of years.

It is one of the most common relational words in English. For example, you might say “The shop is between the bank and the library” to describe location, or “The decision is between studying law and medicine” to describe a choice.

In every case, “between” works as a single word and does not require an additional “in” unless it appears in a different grammatical role.

Examples of “between” in sentences:

1. The river runs between two hills.

2. Negotiations are between the company and the workers’ union.

3. There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance.

4. She had to choose between staying in her hometown or moving abroad.

What Does “In Between” Mean?

“In between” is a phrase consisting of the preposition “in” and the preposition “between.” When used together, the meaning shifts slightly. “In between” often functions as an adverb or adjective rather than strictly as a preposition.

It describes position or state, but with more emphasis on something existing in the middle of two points. For instance, “She sat in between her two best friends” paints a picture of her physical placement.

The phrase can also refer to something happening during a gap or transition, as in “We have a few days in between meetings to rest.”

Examples of “in between” in sentences:

1. The keys fell somewhere in between the couch cushions.

2. His house is in between the school and the market.

3. I found a small park in between the tall buildings.

4. In between jobs, she took a short course to improve her skills.

In grammar studies, “in between” is considered more casual and often appears in conversational English. It can be redundant in formal writing if “between” alone suffices, but in certain contexts it adds clarity or emphasis.

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Is “Inbetween” a Real Word?

“Inbetween” written as one word is not standard in formal English. It appears occasionally in informal writing, marketing, or creative works, often as a stylistic choice.

Dictionaries like Oxford and Merriam-Webster do not list “inbetween” as a standard English word in most contexts, though some note its use as an adjective in creative or colloquial styles, such as “an inbetween stage of life.”

However, this is rare and generally avoided in academic or professional writing. Modern grammar references suggest avoiding “inbetween” if your goal is correctness, as readers may consider it a misspelling.

Examples where “inbetween” might appear informally:

1. The show is aimed at inbetween kids who are not yet teenagers but older than children.

2. The design feels inbetween casual and formal.

3. He is in that awkward inbetween phase after university but before his career starts.

4. This color is an inbetween shade of blue and green.

Although these examples may appear in magazines or creative work, they are not considered standard in formal grammar.

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How Do You Know Which to Use?

The decision depends on the function of the word in your sentence. If you need a preposition connecting two points, use “between.”

If you want to emphasize location or timing within a space or gap, “in between” may be more suitable. Avoid “inbetween” in serious writing unless you are quoting, using dialect, or aiming for stylistic effect.

Consider these variations:

• Correct: “The bakery is between the pharmacy and the post office.”

• Correct: “There is a small shop in between the pharmacy and the post office.”

• Informal or stylistic: “It’s an inbetween space, neither fully indoors nor outdoors.”

Research from modern corpus studies confirms that “between” appears far more frequently in published works than “in between,” and “inbetween” is extremely rare outside informal contexts. University writing guides advise students to favor “between” in most cases for conciseness.

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FAQ

Q1: Can “in between” start a sentence?
Yes, “In between” can start a sentence when functioning as an adverbial phrase. For example, “In between classes, I like to read in the library.”

Q2: Is “inbetween” ever correct in British English?
While British English speakers might encounter “inbetween” in creative writing or informal online communication, formal British grammar follows the same rules as American English, avoiding it in academic or professional contexts.

Q3: Can “between” be used with more than two items?
Although traditional grammar suggested “between” is for two items and “among” for more than two, modern usage allows “between” when the relationship is one-to-one or distinct. For example, “The treaty was signed between the five nations” is correct because each relationship is considered separately.

Q4: Which is more formal, “between” or “in between”?
“Between” is more formal and concise. “In between” adds emphasis or specificity but is better suited for informal or descriptive writing.

Q5: Does “in between” work in abstract contexts?
Yes. You can say “He feels stuck in between two worlds” to describe emotional or cultural position, even though it is not physical.

Q6: Why do people mistakenly write “inbetween”?
The mistake often comes from the way we speak. In fast speech, “in between” can sound like one word, leading some to write it as “inbetween.” However, correct grammar keeps them separate.

Q7: Are there idioms with “between” or “in between”?
Yes. Examples include “between a rock and a hard place” (meaning trapped between two difficult options) and “read between the lines” (understanding hidden meaning). There are fewer established idioms with “in between,” though “caught in between” is common.

Q8: How can I remember the difference?
Think of “between” as the standard connector and “in between” as the descriptive middle. Avoid “inbetween” unless writing informally.