Should you use in between or in-between? Both between and in between indicate a separation, and the in is often unnecessary. In-between, on the other hand, you use it as a noun or adjective. But how about inbetween? Well, there is no inbetween meaning because it’s a misspelling.
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What Is Between?
Between is a preposition or adverb, and it indicates separation or sharing. People often use this word when no specific objects are being identified, but this isn’t always the case.
The word is Germanic in origin and comes from the Old English betwēonum. Translated, it means “by two.”
Example sentences
- Let’s split the work between us. (preposition)
- She’s between jobs right now. (preposition)
- For color, you’ll need to choose between blue and green. (preposition)
- I plan to arrive between 2 and 3. (preposition)
- I set up the desks by each other with a lamp between. (adverb)
What Is In Between?
In between basically means the same thing as between does, and it’s also an adverb or preposition. Because between means “occupying (in) the space separating,” the in is often redundant. However, some prefer using it if distinct objects are mentioned or to avoid an awkward sound. For example, the last example, “I set up the desks by each other with a lamp between,“ may sound awkward.
Example sentences
- We drove without any stops in between our house and the beach. (preposition)
- I think I put your keys in between the fridge and the microwave. (preposition)
- In between the two different accounts is the truth. (preposition)
- This year, we want to vacation in between the busiest seasons. (preposition)
- We get takeout every Monday and Friday and occasionally in between. (adverb)
What Is In-Between?
In-between is similar in idea to between and in-between but has distinctly different usages.
As a noun, it refers to someone or something in an intermediate stage or between two extremes. It can also convey a lack of fitting in or belonging. Used as an adjective, it describes someone or something as being in an intermediate stage or location. Technically, this form is called a compound adjective since it uses two words as one idea.
Example sentences
- Running out of paint has left our project stuck in the in-between. (noun)
- A teen often feels like an in-between at family gatherings– too old for kids, too young for adults. (noun)
- Right now, I’m at an in-between point in the decision-making process. (adj)
- Let’s meet at an in-between location that’s convenient for both of us. (adj)
- With this in-between weather we’ve been having, I’ve taken to packing a light jacket.
What’s the Difference?
Now that we’ve examined our three terms individually, let’s group them together for easy comparison, and you can ensure proper grammar all the time.
- Between: This is a preposition or an adverb. It shows that there is space between two different things pr that something occupies that space.
- In Between: This is also a preposition or adverb, and it means the same thing between does. Since “in” is part of the definition of between, the word is often redundant. You might choose to use it if it would sound awkward without it. Conversely, you might think the in sounds awkward and thus choose to skip it.
- In-between: You can use this as a noun or a compound adjective. The noun form means someone or something in an intermediate stage or location. The adjective form described someone or something as being that way.
Which One Should You Use?
So when do you use between or in between? And what about and between? Let’s look at some more cases.
Most of the time, between and in between are interchangeable. Often, the word in isn’t necessary, and it may or may not create or avoid an awkward sound.
You use these terms to indicate the existence or occupation of space separating things, events, ideas, etc. For instance, there can be an object between two other things. For instance, “There can be vast differences of opinion between two people” or “You can rest between games.”
In-between is a thing or description. A person who feels like an outsider may feel like an in-between. For example, “You can be at an in-between stage in a process.”
How About Inbetween?
Inbetween isn’t a word. As discussed in the usage guide, you should always use it with a hyphen.
Final Thoughts
By now, we’ve thoroughly covered whether to use between, in between or in-between. The first two mean the same and can be a preposition or adverb. In-between is a noun or adjective. And remember: the inbetween meaning doesn’t exist because it’s a misspelling.
