In Between or In-Between: Which Is Correct?

“In between” and “in-between” are both correct, but they have different grammatical roles. Use in between as a phrase when referring to a position or interval separating two things. Use in-between as a hyphenated adjective when it describes something intermediate. Inbetween as one word is not standard English.

Quick Answer:

Use “in between” as a two-word phrase, “in-between” as a hyphenated adjective, and never “inbetween” as one word. Use between alone when it directly takes an object.

There was a break in between.
an in-between stage
between two buildings

In Between vs. In-Between

How Are They Used?

In between refers to a position, interval, or period separating two things:

There was nothing in between the two appointments.

The pharmacy is between two restaurants.

In-between describes something that falls in the middle of two states or categories:

He is at an in-between stage of training.

The truck pulled in between two cars.

Here, pulled in is the verb phrase.

Common Mistakes

❌ We met inbetween classes.
✅ We met in between classes.

❌ She bought an in between size.
✅ She bought an in-between size.

✅ The store is between the bank and the café.

Pronunciation

In between and in-between have the same pronunciation. The difference is in their spelling and grammatical function.

Six Examples

1. The children sat in between their parents.
2. There was a long wait in between flights.
3. The hotel sits between the station and the museum.
4. She is stuck in an in-between phase.
5. We found a small café in between the two shops.
6. He chose an in-between shade for the walls.

Easy Memory Trick

In between = phrase
In-between = adjective
Inbetween = not standard

Mini Quiz

1. Which sentence is correct?
A. We met inbetween classes.
B. We met in between classes.
C. We met in-between classes.
D. We met inbetweens classes.

2. Which form normally describes a noun?
A. In between
B. In-between
C. Inbetween
D. Between-in

3. Which sentence is correct?
A. The hotel is inbetween the two stations.
B. The hotel is between the two stations.
C. The hotel is in-between the two stations.
D. The hotel is between in the two stations.

4. Complete the sentence: “She chose an □ size.”
A. in between
B. in-between
C. inbetween
D. between-in

5. Which statement is correct?
A. Inbetween is the standard spelling.
B. In between and in-between always have the same role.
C. In-between can function as an adjective.
D. Between must always be preceded by in.

Answers: 1-B, 2-B, 3-B, 4-B, 5-C

FAQs

Is “in between” one word or two?

In between is written as two words when it functions as a phrase. In-between is hyphenated when it works as an adjective.

Is “inbetween” correct?

No. Inbetween is not the standard spelling.

When should I use “between” without “in”?

Use between when it naturally takes an object, such as between the two buildings.

Why is “in-between” hyphenated?

The hyphen shows that the two words work together as one adjective before a noun.

Conclusion

Use in between as a two-word phrase, in-between as a hyphenated adjective, and between when it already takes an object. Never write inbetween as one word.

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Mignon Fogarty

Mignon Fogarty is an experienced English grammar and writing expert specializing in grammar, word usage, and clear American English. At EduNexxt, her focus is making grammar simple, accurate, and practical.