Between vs. In Between — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on November 25, 2023
Between denotes a position or relation involving two entities or extremes. In Between implies a middle or intermediate position within a range or sequence.
Difference Between Between and In Between
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Between is a preposition used to indicate a relationship involving two or more entities or points. It denotes something's position or relation relative to two distinct things or endpoints. For example, "The shop is between the bank and the bakery." In this instance, the shop's location is defined by its relationship to two other entities. On the other hand, In Between typically indicates a middle or intermediate position within a given range, sequence, or set of items. It's not always tied to two specific entities, and it has a sense of something being "among" others.
Between can also be used in contexts outside of physical locations, such as time. For instance, "I'll be free between 3 PM and 5 PM." This statement indicates a specific timeframe. Contrarily, In Between would be used to refer to a more undefined or intermediate period. An example might be, "I'll take a break in between tasks." Here, there's no specific start and end; it's about an interval within a series of activities.
In the realm of relationships and connections, Between highlights the shared space or bond two entities might have. "There's a mutual understanding between them." The connection is direct and pertains to the two mentioned entities. On the other hand, when someone says, "He's in between jobs right now," the phrase In Between suggests a transitional phase or a period where one is transitioning from one state or condition to another.
In mathematical or quantitative contexts, Between is utilized to indicate a range. "Choose a number between 1 and 10." This is a clear span with two definite endpoints. However, In Between in such contexts may emphasize an intermediate value or position. For example, "She's in between sizes," which suggests she doesn't fit perfectly into standard sizing categories.
Lastly, in terms of emotions or choices, Between can signify a dilemma. "She's torn between two options." It's about making a decision involving two clear choices. On the contrary, In Between might point to a more ambiguous state of mind or feeling. "He feels in between happiness and sadness." It's not one or the other; it's a mix or somewhere in the middle.
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Comparison Chart
Usage
Direct relationship to two entities or extremes.
Middle or intermediate position within a range.
Timeframe
Specific timeframe with definite start and end.
More undefined or intermediate period.
Quantitative
Indicates a clear range with two endpoints.
Emphasizes an intermediate value or position.
Emotions/Choices
Involves a direct dilemma or choice involving two entities.
Points to a more ambiguous state or feeling.
Transitions
Can indicate a span or stretch between two points.
Suggests a transitional phase or period.
Compare with Definitions
Between
Between - Indicating a position surrounded by two or more entities.
She sat between her parents.
In Between
In Between - Occupying a middle or intermediate position.
She found the notebook in between the books on the shelf.
Between
Between - Denoting a specific range in time or quantity.
The event will take place between 5 PM and 7 PM.
In Between
In Between - Referring to an undefined position within a sequence.
Place the marker in between these two points.
Between
Between - Expressing a choice or dilemma involving two distinct options.
He had to choose between the blue and the red shirt.
In Between
In Between - During an intervening period or phase.
He took a nap in between his classes.
Between
In or through the position or interval separating
Between the trees.
Between 11 o'clock and 12 o'clock.
In Between
In Between - Highlighting a transitional status or condition.
He's in between jobs right now.
Between
Intermediate to, as in quantity, amount, or degree
It costs between 15 and 20 dollars.
In Between
In Between - Indicating a state that's not clearly defined, often emotional.
She felt in between joy and sorrow.
Between
Connecting spatially
A railroad between the two cities.
In Between
Intermediate
Adolescence is an awkward, in-between age.
Between
Associating or uniting in a reciprocal action or relationship
An agreement between workers and management.
A certain resemblance between the two stories.
In Between
An intermediate
Conservatives, radicals, and in-betweens.
Between
In confidence restricted to
Between you and me, he is not qualified.
In Between
Lying between; neither one thing nor the other.
Between
By the combined effort or effect of
Between them they succeeded.
In Between
An interval or intervening time.
Between
In the combined ownership of
They had only a few dollars between them.
In Between
One who intervenes.
Between
As measured against. Often used to express a reciprocal relationship
Choose between riding and walking.
In Between
Being neither at the beginning nor at the end in a series or time sequence; as, adolescence is an awkward in-between age.
Between
In an intermediate space, position, or time; in the interim.
In Between
Being neither at the beginning nor at the end in a series;
Adolescence is an awkward in-between age
In a mediate position
The middle point on a line
Between
In the position or interval that separates (two things), or intermediate in quantity or degree. (See Usage notes below.)
John stood between Amy and Mary.
Let's meet between two and three.
I want to buy one that costs somewhere between forty and fifty dollars.
Between
Done together or reciprocally.
Conversation between friends
Between
Shared in confidence.
Between you and me, I think the boss is crazy.
Let's keep this between ourselves.
Between
In transit from (one to the other, or connecting places).
He's between jobs right now.
The shuttle runs between the town and the airport.
Between
Combined (by effort or ownership).
Between us all, we shall succeed.
We've only got £5 between us.
Between the leaky taps and the peeling wallpaper, there isn't much about this house to appeal to a buyer.
Between
One of (representing a choice).
You must choose between him and me.
Some colour-blind people can't distinguish between red and green.
Between
Taking together the combined effect of.
Between the food and the card games, this proved to be the best birthday party I have ever had.
Between
A kind of needle, shorter than a sharp, with a small rounded eye, used for making fine stitches on heavy fabrics.
Between
In the space which separates; betwixt; as, New York is between Boston and Philadelphia.
Between
Used in expressing motion from one body or place to another; from one to another of two.
If things should go so between them.
Between
Belonging in common to two; shared by both.
Castor and Pollux with only one soul between them.
Between
Belonging to, or participated in by, two, and involving reciprocal action or affecting their mutual relation; as, opposition between science and religion.
An intestine struggle, open or secret, between authority and liberty.
Between
With relation to two, as involved in an act or attribute of which another is the agent or subject; as, to judge between or to choose between courses; to distinguish between you and me; to mediate between nations.
Between
In intermediate relation to, in respect to time, quantity, or degree; as, between nine and ten o'clock.
I . . . hope that between public business, improving studies, and domestic pleasures, neither melancholy nor caprice will find any place for entrance.
Between
Intermediate time or space; interval.
Between
In the interval;
Dancing all the dances with little rest between
Between
In between;
Two houses with a tree between
Between
Between - Referring to a shared relationship or bond.
An agreement was made between the two companies.
Between
Between - Relating to a division or distribution involving multiple recipients.
The candy was split between the three children.
Common Curiosities
How is In Between different from Between in terms of location?
In Between implies a middle or intermediate position within a range or sequence.
Can Between be used for more than two entities?
Yes, Between can relate to two or more entities, e.g., "a treaty between three nations."
What does it mean when someone is "in between jobs"?
It means the person is currently not employed but transitioning from one job to another.
How is Between used in the context of time?
Between can indicate a specific timeframe with a start and end, e.g., "between 10 AM and 2 PM."
Can In Between be used to describe emotions?
Yes, it can indicate a state that's not clearly one emotion or the other, e.g., "in between happiness and sadness."
Is "in the middle" the same as "in between"?
Not always. "In the middle" specifically refers to the center, while "in between" can refer to any intermediate position.
How would you use Between in a mathematical context?
It can indicate a range with two definite endpoints, e.g., "choose a number between 1 and 10."
How do you use Between in the context of relationships?
It can highlight a shared bond or space two entities might have, e.g., "an understanding between them."
Can Between be used in terms of choices?
Yes, it can signify a choice or dilemma involving two distinct options, e.g., "torn between two options."
Can you give an example of Between indicating distribution?
Yes, "The money was divided between the four siblings."
What does Between typically denote in terms of position?
Between denotes a position or relationship involving two or more entities or points.
What does it mean to be "in between sizes"?
It means that someone doesn't fit perfectly into the standard sizing categories.
How does In Between function in the context of sequences?
It denotes an undefined or intermediate position within a sequence or range.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
