between: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
A1Neutral
Quick answer
What does “between” mean?
In or into the space separating two things, people, or points.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In or into the space separating two things, people, or points.
Indicates a connection, comparison, or shared relationship involving two or more parties.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling differences in related compounds (e.g., UK: 'inbetween', US: 'in-between'). Usage is virtually identical.
Connotations
None.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “between” in a Sentence
between A and Bbetween + plural nounbetween + possessive + noun (e.g., between you and me)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “between” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- He was neither here nor there, just stuck inbetween.
American English
- We'll meet up with you in-between classes.
adjective
British English
- An in-between shade of blue.
American English
- She felt an in-between state of joy and sorrow.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for negotiations, comparisons, and partnerships: 'The agreement between the two companies was finalized.'
Academic
Used to describe relationships, correlations, or distinctions: 'A strong correlation was found between the variables.'
Everyday
Used for spatial location or simple choice: 'Sit between your brother and sister.' 'I can't decide between pizza and pasta.'
Technical
In computing and statistics, denotes an intermediate state or a relationship: 'Data transfer between nodes.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “between”
- Using 'between' with 'to' (e.g., 'between 10 to 15' - correct: 'between 10 and 15').
- Using 'between each' incorrectly (e.g., 'between each house' - often better rephrased as 'between the houses').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally, yes, but modern usage widely accepts 'between' for more than two when individual relationships are distinct (e.g., 'talks between the five countries').
'Between' typically implies distinct, one-to-one relationships, while 'among' suggests a collective or indistinct group ('shared among the crowd').
No. After 'between', the object pronoun is required: 'between you and me' is grammatically correct.
Yes, in compound forms like 'in-between' (e.g., 'an in-between state', 'stopping in-between').
In or into the space separating two things, people, or points.
Between is usually neutral in register.
Between: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈtwiːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪˈtwin/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “between a rock and a hard place”
- “read between the lines”
- “between you, me, and the lamppost”
- “few and far between”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the two 'E's in 'between' as two objects, with the word itself sitting in the space BETWEEN them.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPACE AS RELATIONSHIP (The space separating entities metaphorically represents their connection or distinction.)
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'between' correctly?