Meaning & use
in between times
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Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
during the periods of time between two main events or activities
Grammar: Used as an adverbial phrase, usually at the end of a sentence or clause: I study in between times.
Patterns
- do something in between times
She works as a nurse, and in between times she writes children's books.
We only see each other at conferences, and in between times we send emails.
He teaches during the day; in between times, he practices the piano.
Common combinations
- in between times
- I have two jobs, and in between times I try to relax.
- do something in between times
- She paints houses, and does something creative in between times.
- in between times, someone does something
- In between times, he reads history books.
- in between times at work
- In between times at work, they chat about football.
- in between times during the year
- In between times during the year, the town is very quiet.
Synonyms and how they differ
- meanwhile
- Use 'meanwhile' when two things happen at the same time; 'in between times' is for the gaps between separate events.
- in the meantime
- 'In the meantime' often refers to the period until something else happens; 'in between times' is more general and repeated.
- between
- 'Between' is a preposition and needs two nouns; 'in between times' stands alone as an adverbial phrase.
Commonly confused: in between times or in the meantime? in between times or between times?
in between times vs in the meantime
'In the meantime' means 'until then' and usually refers to a single period; 'in between times' refers to repeated gaps between events.
in between times vs between times
'Between times' is not a standard phrase without 'in'; the fixed expression always includes 'in'.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'in between times' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'In between times' is an adverbial phrase that stands alone, so 'In between times, he likes to go jogging' is correct. The other options try to use it as a preposition or with a specific time, which is not how the phrase works.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “in between times”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.