In Between vs. In-Between vs. Inbetween
Use “in between” as a two-word phrase when something is between two points, times, states, or items. Use the hyphenated “in-between” when it functions as an adjective meaning intermediate. The closed form “inbetween” is not the standard dictionary form for these ordinary uses.
Use “in between” as the ordinary phrase and “in-between” as the adjective before or after a noun when it means intermediate. Avoid treating “inbetween” as the standard spelling.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Function | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary phrase after a verb/preposition-like position | in between | The café is in between the two offices. |
| Adjective meaning intermediate | in-between | an in-between stage |
| Closed spelling | inbetween | Avoid as the standard spelling for these ordinary uses. |
Quick tests
Modifier test
Is the expression functioning as an adjective meaning “intermediate”?
If yes: Use the hyphenated adjective “in-between.”
If no: Use the two-word phrase “in between.”
Caveat: The grammatical role matters more than a blanket “always hyphenate” rule.
Examples
There is a short break in between the sessions.
The open two-word phrase is appropriate in ordinary phrase use.
We need an in-between solution for the transition period.
The hyphenated form functions as an adjective.
We need an inbetween solution.
Better: We need an in-between solution.
The closed spelling is not the standard dictionary form for this ordinary use.
Further guidance
Adjective Use
Use “in-between” when the expression functions adjectivally to mean intermediate or between two recognized states.
Closed Form Boundary
Do not generalize corpus appearances of “inbetween” into a standard spelling rule; the reviewed dictionary treatment distinguishes the open phrase and hyphenated adjective.
Phrase Use
Use the open form “in between” when the words operate as the phrase meaning between two times, places, states, or choices.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- In between — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Dictionary treatment distinguishing the phrase “in between” from the hyphenated adjective “in-between”