In the meantime

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the meantime" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that something will happen in the interim period between two points in time, for example: "I'm waiting for the results from the lab, in the meantime I'm going to start working on the next project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the meantime, relax.

The New York Times

In the meantime, Maj.

The New York Times

In the meantime, Capt.

The New York Times

In the meantime, bon appetit!

The Economist

In the meantime, Kenya burns.

The Economist

In the meantime, panic prevailed.

The New York Times

In the meantime, she waits.

The New York Times

In the meantime, baseball lives.

The New York Times

In the meantime, soup's on.

The New York Times

In the meantime, "life happened".

The New York Times

In the meantime I suffer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the meantime" to clearly indicate that an action or state is temporary, bridging a gap until a subsequent event occurs. This helps to maintain clarity and coherence in your writing.

Common error

Avoid incorrect comma placement. "In the meantime" is typically followed by a comma when it introduces a clause. Ensure the comma is present to separate the phrase from the main sentence. For example: "I'm waiting for the report; in the meantime, I'll review these documents."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the meantime" functions as a transitional phrase, connecting two events or actions in time. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it indicates something happening during an intervening period. It helps create a logical flow in writing by showing what occurs while waiting for something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in the meantime" serves as a versatile transitional phrase used to indicate an action or state that occurs temporarily until a subsequent event takes place. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and high frequency, especially in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "meanwhile" and "in the interim" exist, "in the meantime" provides a clear and effective way to establish temporal sequencing in writing or speech. Pay attention to comma placement and context to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Meanwhile

This is a direct synonym, often interchangeable in many contexts, offering a more concise option.

In the meanwhile

A less common variant of "meanwhile", carrying a similar meaning.

In the interim

Similar to "in the meantime" but can sometimes suggest a more formal or official context.

During this period

Focuses specifically on the duration, suitable when emphasizing a defined timeframe.

For the time being

Implies a temporary state, suitable when the situation is expected to change.

For now

Emphasizes the present situation as a temporary measure.

In the intervening period

Highlights the space between two events or points in time.

Until then

Indicates a point in the future that will resolve the current situation.

Till then

Shortened form of "until then", implying a future resolution.

Pending that

Suggests an action is awaiting a future event.

FAQs

How can I use "in the meantime" in a sentence?

Use "in the meantime" to indicate what's happening while waiting for something else. For instance, "The plumber is coming tomorrow; "in the meantime", we'll use the guest bathroom."

What are some alternatives to "in the meantime"?

Alternatives include "meanwhile", "in the interim", or "for the time being", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "in the meantime" and "meanwhile"?

While they're often interchangeable, "in the meantime" can sometimes imply a slightly longer or more significant intervening period than "meanwhile".

Can "in the meantime" be used at the end of a sentence?

While less common, it can be used at the end for emphasis, though it's generally better placed at the beginning or in the middle. For example, "I'll prepare the presentation. Please gather the data, "in the meantime"."