Inbetween or In Between | Meaning & Use

In between is always spelled as two words, but you need to hyphenate it to “in-between” if you use it as an adjective or a noun. “Inbetween” (one word) is always incorrect.

  • In between generally functions as a preposition of place (e.g., “The bakery is in between the cafe and the drug store”) or time (e.g., “We like to go there in between classes”).
  • Occasionally it’s a compound adjective (e.g., “It’s a kind of in-between stage”) or a noun (e.g., “You’re either with us or against us; there’s no in-between”); if you use it like this, it should be hyphenated.
Inbetween or in between in a sentence examples
  • Why don’t we put a small table in between the two windows?
  • Why don’t we put a small table inbetween the two windows?
  • There’s only an hour in between our two flights.
  • There’s only an hour inbetween our two flights.
  • The program features pop, rock, classical, and everything in between.
  • The program features pop, rock, classical, and everything inbetween.
  • I’ll be in meetings all day, but I’ll try and call you in between.
  • I’ll be in meetings all day, but I’ll try and call you inbetween.

In-between

You need to hyphenate “in between” to in-between if you are using it as an adjective or a noun. However, it’s fairly uncommon to use it with these grammatical functions.

As an adjective, “in-between” can mean “intermediate,” “transitional,” or “midway/moderate.”

In-between (adjective) in a sentence
I wanted to create the sense of an in-between realm where time stands still.

This marked the beginning of an in-between stage of her career as she transitioned from music theater into cinema.

That seems so extreme; surely there’s a more in-between option.

As a noun, “in-between” is used creatively or playfully to refer to an intermediate state or period.

In-between (noun) in a sentence
It was neither a beginning nor an end, but a kind of strange in-between.

The book explores the fascinating in-between of adolescence.

Between vs in between

Between and in between are generally interchangeable when used as prepositions to mean “between two physical points or locations” or “between two events or times” (e.g., “It’s between/in between the two houses,” “We can talk between/in between meetings”).

However, “between” is the better option in formal writing (e.g., academic writing). There are also some contexts where they are not interchangeable.

Between and in between not interchangeable
Use of between Examples
For oppositions and comparisons such as differences, distinctions, competition, choices, relationships, similarities, connections and links
  • There is no difference between the two products.
  • There is no difference in between the two products.
  • The game between the city’s two baseball teams will take place next week.
  • The game in between the city’s two baseball teams will take place next week.
For numerical, time or age ranges
  • The boxes weigh between about one and five pounds.
  • The boxes weigh in between about one and five pounds.
To mean share/divide among
  • She shared the candy between the children.
  • She shared the candy in between the children.

Frequently asked questions about inbetween or in between

What is a synonym for in between?

Synonyms for the preposition in between include:

  • Between
  • In the middle of
  • Midway
  • Separating
  • Among

On a related note, you can’t spell “in between” as either inbetween or in between—it’s always spelled as two words.

Have you tried Quillbot’s free Paraphraser? You can use it to help you find the best synonym for “in between” in your specific context.

Is between a preposition?

Yes, between typically functions as a preposition (e.g., “There were short breaks between the lectures”).

However, it is classified as an adverb when placed at the end of a phrase like this: “There were three lectures with some short breaks between.”

“Between” is often interchangeable with “in between,” but note that you can’t spell “in between” as either inbetween or in between—it’s always spelled as two words.

A QuillBot Grammar Check can help ensure you’re using words like “between” correctly.

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Tom Challenger, BA

Tom holds a teaching diploma and is an experienced English language teacher, teacher trainer, and translator. He has taught university courses and worked as a teacher trainer on Cambridge CELTA courses.