In Between vs. In-between: How to Use Them Correctly
Ever wondered if you should write in between or in-between?
It’s a small detail, but it can make your writing look much clearer.
Today, Midoo AI will help you understand when to use “in between” as two words and when to use “in-between” with a hyphen. Let’s keep it simple!
In Between — As a Phrase
“In between” is used as a prepositional phrase.
It means something is in the middle of two things.
Examples:
- She sat in between her two friends.
- There’s a park in between the two buildings.
- He placed the note in between the pages.
💡 Tip: Use this form when you are talking about position or location.
In-between — As an Adjective or Noun
“In-between” with a hyphen acts as an adjective or a noun.
It describes something that is in the middle, not fully one thing or the other.
Examples:
- He’s in that in-between stage of being a teen and an adult.
- It’s an in-between color—not quite blue, not quite green.
- The company is in an in-between phase right now.
💡 Tip: Use the hyphenated form only when it comes before a noun or stands alone as a noun.
Quick Recap
| Form | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| in between | prepositional phrase | She stood in between her parents. |
| in-between | adjective / noun | He’s in an in-between stage. |
FAQS:
Q: Can I always just use “in between” with a space?
A: Not always. Use “in-between” when it works as an adjective or noun.
Q: Is “inbetween” (no space, no hyphen) correct?
A: ❌ No, “inbetween” is not standard in English.
Q: Which is more common?
A: “In between” (two words) is used more often.
Q: Will grammar checkers catch this mistake?
A: Most will, but it’s good to know the rule yourself!
Final Tip from Midoo AI
Here’s the easy rule to remember:
- ✅ in between = location or position (two words)
- ✅ in-between = adjective or noun (with hyphen)
- ❌ inbetween = not correct
With this quick trick from Midoo AI, you’ll never mix them up again.