English can be tricky. Sometimes, a small difference in spelling changes the meaning—or makes writing look unprofessional. One common confusion is “inbetween” versus “in between.”

Writers often wonder: should it be one word, two words, or even hyphenated? This guide clears up the mystery, explains the proper usage, and gives you practical tips to never make this mistake again.

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Understanding the Confusion

Have you ever typed “inbetween” in a text and paused, wondering if it was correct? You’re not alone. The English language allows some flexibility in spelling, but not all variations are acceptable in formal writing.

Confusion usually arises from:

• Informal writing online, like social media posts
• Autocorrect merging words together
• Non-native speakers applying rules incorrectly

Understanding the correct form matters. Using the wrong spelling can make your writing seem careless, especially in professional emails, academic papers, or published content.

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What “Inbetween” Means

You might spot “inbetween” on blogs, social media, or casual emails. Some writers use it as if it’s a valid single word.

However, “inbetween” is generally considered incorrect in formal English. Dictionaries do not officially recognize it. When used, it’s often in informal contexts where precision isn’t crucial, but even there, it’s better to stick with the standard form.

Example of informal usage:

“I’m feeling inbetween jobs right now.”

The correct version should be:

“I’m feeling in between jobs right now.”

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Breaking Down “In Between”

The correct and standard form is “in between.”

It’s widely accepted in dictionaries and style guides. “In between” can function in different grammatical roles:

• Preposition: Indicates location or position.
• Adjective: Describes something intermediate or transitional.
• Adverb: Occasionally used to describe an action happening in the middle.

Examples in sentences:

• Preposition: “The town lies in between two rivers.”
• Adjective: “She chose the in-between option.”
• Adverb: “He paused in between tasks to take a deep breath.”

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The Hyphenated Form: “In-Between”

Sometimes, you’ll see “in-between” with a hyphen. This version is correct when used as a compound adjective.

Examples:

• Correct: “He is at an in-between stage in his career.”
• Incorrect: “He is in between stage.”

Most style guides, including APA and Chicago, recommend using the hyphen when the phrase modifies a noun directly.

Rule of thumb:

• Use in-between for adjectives describing nouns.
• Use in between for prepositions indicating location or sequence.

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Why the Confusion Exists

Several factors contribute to the mix-up:

• Informal writing habits: People type quickly and merge words.
• Autocorrect: Phones and computers sometimes turn “in between” into “inbetween.”
• Dictionary recognition: “Inbetween” is not listed in most dictionaries, making it technically incorrect.
• Linguistic patterns: Some words evolve into single words over time (like “email”), leading people to assume “inbetween” is acceptable.

Despite these trends, sticking with standard forms ensures your writing stays clear and professional.

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Comparing All Variations

To make it crystal clear, here’s a side-by-side comparison of all three variations:

Form	Correctness	Usage Type	Example Sentence
inbetween	❌ Incorrect	Informal/Casual	“He is inbetween jobs.” → should be in between
in between	✅ Correct	Preposition / Adjective	“The shop is in between the bank and the library.”
in-between	✅ Correct in context	Compound Adjective	“She chose an in-between option.”

Key takeaway: Avoid “inbetween” in professional writing. Use in between for most cases and in-between when acting as an adjective.

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Common Errors and Their Impact

Using “inbetween” may seem harmless, but it can subtly damage your credibility. Here’s why:

• Academic papers: Spelling mistakes can lower grades or editorial confidence.
• Professional emails: Small errors like this suggest lack of attention to detail.
• Online content: Search engines prefer correct spelling; “inbetween” could slightly affect SEO.

Examples of misuse:

• ❌ “She is inbetween projects.” → Correct: “She is in between projects.”
• ❌ “He is at an inbetween phase.” → Correct: “He is at an in-between phase.”

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Pro Tips for Writers

Follow these practical tips to avoid mistakes:

• Check dictionaries: Merriam-Webster, Oxford, and Cambridge all list in between.
• Hyphenate only adjectives: “An in-between option” is correct; “He is in between jobs” is correct without a hyphen.
• Context matters: Preposition = no hyphen, adjective = hyphen.
• Mnemonic: If it describes a noun, hyphenate. Otherwise, don’t.
• Self-edit: Read your writing out loud. Does it sound natural?

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Everyday Usage Examples

Correct Usage:

• “The café is in between the bookstore and the pharmacy.”
• “This is an in-between period in her career.”
• “He took a moment in between meetings to relax.”

Incorrect Usage:

• “He is inbetween jobs.”
• “She picked an inbetween option.”
• “The shop is inbetween two parks.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is “inbetween” ever acceptable?

No. It’s considered incorrect in formal English. Use in between or in-between depending on context.

Should I always hyphenate “in-between”?

Only when it’s used as a compound adjective describing a noun. Otherwise, use in between.

Can “in between” be used as an adverb?

Yes, occasionally. Example: “He paused in between to take a breath.”

What’s the difference between “between” and “in between”?

Between typically links two nouns: “Between A and B.” In between emphasizes position or the middle of two things.

How do style guides treat it?

APA, Chicago, and Oxford all accept in between and in-between (adjective) but reject “inbetween.”

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Conclusion

To sum up:

• “In between” → standard, correct form for prepositions.
• “In-between” → correct as a compound adjective.
• “Inbetween” → avoid; it’s informal and technically incorrect.

Remember: context is key. Preposition = two words. Adjective = hyphen. Casual writing may tolerate “inbetween,” but professional and academic writing never should. Use this guide as a reference, and you’ll never be caught second-guessing this spelling again.