between
preposition
UK/bɪˈtwiːn/US/bɪˈtwin/
In or into the space that separates (two or more points, objects, places, or times); connecting or relating to two or more individuals or things.
Example Sentences
They placed a small table between the two armchairs for easy access to drinks and snacks.
Please wait until there’s a gap between the cars before crossing the street.
The negotiations between the management and the labor union lasted several days but ended in a satisfactory agreement for both sides.
She divided her time between studying for her final exams and working part-time at the library.
There is a narrow passage between the cliffs, leading to a hidden beach that few tourists know about.
Our flight connection was tight, giving us less than one hour between arriving at the airport and catching the next plane.
Between every chapter in his book, he placed thoughtful quotes and anecdotes to keep readers engaged and provide deeper context, resulting in a richer, more immersive reading experience overall.
The rivalry between the two famous chefs went far beyond simple competition; both strove to outdo each other with innovative recipes and captivating restaurant experiences that delighted culinary enthusiasts worldwide.
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adverb
UK/bɪˈtwiːn/US/bɪˈtwin/
In an intermediate position or time; in the space separating two points or moments.
Example Sentences
Several hours passed, and we drove nearly two hundred miles, but there was no gas station between.
He worked two different jobs, with very little free time left between.
Sometimes, I take a quick nap in between if I have a short break from meetings.
It was a seven-hour bus journey, and we stopped only once between for a meal.
She keeps her phone on silent during her shift, only checking it in between to avoid distractions.
The stage was set for back-to-back concerts; crew members rushed to prepare for the second performance in between.
They had limited time to clean up the venue in between the morning workshop and the afternoon lecture, so everything had to be done with precision and speed.
Given the tight schedule, the manager found herself juggling tasks in between major deadlines, ensuring no detail or request was overlooked while balancing her team’s numerous responsibilities.
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How to Use
Expresses something’s placement or function in the space or range separating two points or items.“Between” often operates as a preposition denoting a location in the space separating two people, objects, or ideas—e.g., “I sat between my two closest friends.” It can also describe time ranges, as in “between noon and 1 p.m.,” or comparisons, such as “There’s little difference between these two proposals.” Additionally, you can use “between” to convey partition or shared responsibility—“Let’s split the bill between the five of us.” In more abstract contexts, you might see it referencing a transition or boundary—“He’s caught between worry and hope.” While “between” classically implies two entities, modern usage can sometimes include more than two: “Between you, me, and the group chat, I’m not thrilled.” Overall, “between” draws attention to something’s position or role in the gap—literal or metaphorical—dividing or linking distinct points, periods, or parties.
Alternatives
Alternatives vary based on context. If you need a phrase for a literal spatial gap, “in the space separating” or “in the midst of” might work, though they may be wordier. For numerical or time intervals, “from X to Y” can replace “between X and Y” in many cases. If discussing division among multiple parties, “among” sometimes fits if you’re dealing with more than two elements (e.g., “distributing tasks among the team members”). For comparisons, “comparing” can substitute if you need a direct verb phrase: “comparing two proposals.” Remember that each alternative might subtly alter your emphasis—“among” can signal a group, while “in the middle of” highlights a physical or figurative midpoint. By choosing synonyms or rephrases aligned with the nature of your statement—physical location, distribution, comparison, or timing—you maintain clarity and nuance without overusing “between.”
Writing
When incorporating “between” in writing, anchor it clearly to what’s being separated or compared. If it’s literal—“The fence stood between the two properties”—ensure your nouns are specific, so readers visualize the space in question. For time references, “The library is open between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,” clarifies the service window. When exploring intangible or conceptual rifts, such as emotional or ideological gaps, phrase it so the contrast is evident—“The debate lies between personal freedom and public responsibility.” If you’re contrasting multiple items—especially more than two—check whether “between” suits your purpose or if “among” or “across” might be more fitting. In instructions, “Put a sheet of paper between each dish” can convey practical steps. For a more stylistic flourish, “She found herself drifting between reality and daydream,” conjures a reflective, almost poetic tone. Overall, as you use “between,” position it so the reader can easily grasp the objects or ideas connected by this middle ground, whether physical, temporal, or conceptual.
Casual Conversation
In everyday talk, “between” crops up a lot: “I’m torn between getting pizza or sushi,” “Let’s meet between 7 and 8,” or “There’s nothing but empty space between my house and the grocery store.” Typically, you rely on “between” to show someone or something is in the middle, bridging or splitting points. If you’re discussing dividing tasks or bills, you might say, “We’ll share this cost between us.” With timing, “I can chat between my meetings.” If you’re talking about contrasting ideas or experiences, you might mention feeling stuck “between a rock and a hard place,” an idiom for having two tough choices. And if someone says, “Between you and me,” they want to confide privately—though that’s not always strictly to two people in modern speech. Whether about physical placement, scheduling, or hush-hush info, “between” seamlessly fits day-to-day situations where you highlight a midpoint or an either/or scenario.
Etymology
“Between” dates back to Old English “betweonum,” tied to Germanic roots that combine elements meaning “by” or “near” and “two” or “in the space of two.” Historically, it denoted physical separation or positioning in the midst of two distinct points, as well as the sense of mutual sharing. Over centuries, its usage broadened from literal spatial references—like lines drawn between two properties—to more figurative or temporal applications, signifying intervals, comparisons, or shared responsibilities. Whether it’s a property boundary, a time window, or an emotional dilemma, “between” preserves that core notion: lying or operating in the gap, boundary, or relationship that separates or connects two (or occasionally more) distinct entities. It endures in modern English as a go-to preposition for bridging, dividing, or contrasting points and times.
