Key Difference – Between vs In Between
Although it can often be confusing to the nonnative English student, there is a clear difference between the words between and in between. When we use the word between it means that there are two defined points and the measure of time, distance or any other unit is described by it. But if we put in before the word between and use it as in between then whatever lies between the two defined points is described. It can be understood if we say that a train runs between New York and Washington DC then the stations at which the train stops lie in between the two cities. The difference is obvious. Through this article let us elaborate on the key differences in order to gain a clear understanding of the usage of the two words.
What is Between?
First let us begin with between. The word between is used in the context of many things like the distance between two places, a definite time period or relation between two persons. It can also be used in comparing quality, cost or size of different things. The word between is always used when there are two things, persons or places, it cannot be used for a singular or more than three things. Between is mostly used as a preposition in a sentence. Let us examine some examples to understand this.
I think you will have to split it between John and Mary.
I hope you would keep it between us.
He will be in the office between nine to three.
It is difficult to explain the difference between the two words.
Examine each sentence. In all the examples, through the usage of between the writer is able to highlight a relation, connection, the distance that exist between two things. Now let us move on to the next word.
I suppose you can split it between the two of you.
What is In Between?
The word in between differentiates itself slightly from the word between as it describes all the things that lay from one thing, point, place or person to the other. In between is the word that shows the intermediate things lying between two things that may be either imaginary or real. In between can be used as adverb or adjective as well.Let us examine some examples.
Why don’t you place it in between?
I think the shop is located in between the two grand malls.
You will notice that unlike in the case of between, in between stresses a position. This is the main difference between the two words. Now let us summarize the difference as follows.
You can see it in between.
What is the Difference Between ‘Between’ and ‘In Between’?
Definitions of ‘Between’ and ‘In Between’:
Between: Between talk about the two explicit points or things.
In Between: In between describes the intermediate stage of any two things.
Characteristics of ‘Between’ and ‘In Between’:
Comparison:
Between: Between can compare or measure two definite quantities.
In Between: In between cannot compare or measure two definite quantities.
Parts of speech:
Between: Between is mostly used as a preposition in a sentence.
In Between: In between can be used as adverb or adjective as well.
Functions:
Between: The word between act as bridge or road between two things or place.
In Between: In between act as the landmarks on that.
Usage:
Between: Between is used as linking or connecting two things.
In Between: The usage of in between is made to define this linking.
Image Courtesy:
1.”Billets de 5000” by Wazouille [Public Domain] via Wikimedia Commons
2. CN between buildings Toronto By Abxbay (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons