Meaning & use
between
Last updated
Meanings
preposition
In the space or time that separates two people, places, or things.
Grammar: Used before a noun or pronoun: between the two houses, between you and me.
Patterns
- between A and B
- between something
The café is between the bank and the post office.
She sat between her two brothers on the sofa.
The shop is closed between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
preposition
Indicating a connection, relationship, or difference involving two or more parties.
Grammar: Often used with verbs like 'talk', 'agree', 'differ': talk between friends.
Patterns
- between people
- between A and B
There is a strong friendship between the two teams.
The difference between the two plans is small.
We need to keep the secret between us.
preposition
Used to show a choice or division involving two or more options.
Grammar: Often followed by 'and': choose between tea and coffee.
Patterns
- choose between A and B
- decide between A and B
You have to choose between the red one and the blue one.
She couldn't decide between the two job offers.
Divide the money between the three children.
Common combinations
- between you and me
- Between you and me, I think he's wrong.
- in between
- The house is in between the school and the park.
- between the lines
- Reading between the lines, I think she's unhappy.
- between now and then
- We'll finish the project between now and Friday.
Synonyms and how they differ
Commonly confused: between or among?
between vs among
Traditional rule: 'between' for two items, 'among' for three or more. But many speakers use 'between' for three or more when each item is separate.
Practice
The bank is ___ the post office and the library.
Choose one answer.
'Between' is used for two specific points (the post office and the library). 'Among' would be used for a group of more than two without clear separation.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “between”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.