directly between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "directly between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a precise location or position that is equidistant from two points or objects. Example: "The park is located directly between the library and the school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But he stopped, directly between them.

The New York Times

The window was directly between two Labour offices.

The Guardian

You cannot drive directly between Juneau and Anchorage, for example.

The New York Times - Travel

"And the result, dutifully prepared, falls directly between the poles".

The New York Times

Many of them were resolved directly between the publication and the complainant.

The Guardian

But a senior administration official insisted that "there won't be any bargaining" directly between the countries.

The New York Times

An armed conflict would not need to be directly between China and the US in order to be dangerous.

The Guardian - Opinion

No money ever changes hands directly between the intended parents (I.P.'s in surrogacy speak) and the surrogate.

The New York Times - Magazine

But the low-fare carriers like Southwest Airlines and JetBlue, which fly directly between cities, added service and remained profitable.

The New York Times

But for now, at least, F.C.C. regulation exempts programs that operate directly between computers, not through a hub.

The New York Times - Tech

Rather, the deals were done as bilateral contracts directly between utilities or power marketers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "directly between" to clearly indicate a position that is equally distant or precisely located between two distinct points, objects, or entities. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity in spatial descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "directly between" when the relationship is not a straight line or when the object is not precisely positioned at an equal distance. Using alternatives like "near", "around", or "in the vicinity of" might be more appropriate if precision isn't the goal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "directly between" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase. It is used to specify the precise location or position of something in relation to two other entities. As Ludwig indicates, it denotes a relationship of spatial centrality and equidistance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "directly between" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that provides spatial clarity by indicating a position that is equidistant or precisely located between two entities. According to Ludwig, its usage is correct and common across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While it has a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication, ensure precision in spatial relationships. Use alternatives like "right in the middle of" or "exactly in the center of" if the context requires a different nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

right in the middle of

This alternative emphasizes the central positioning more strongly than "directly between".

exactly in the center of

This alternative highlights the precise and central placement.

precisely positioned between

This emphasizes precision in placement, adding a layer of formality.

equidistant from

This alternative focuses on the equal distance from two points, emphasizing a mathematical relationship.

midway between

This suggests a location at the halfway point, implying equal division.

at the midpoint of

Similar to 'midway', focusing on the precise central location.

centered on

This focuses on something being in the middle, though it implies a broader centering rather than just between two points.

in the direct path between

This suggests a route or line connecting two points, with the subject lying on that line.

interposed between

This alternative indicates something being placed or coming between two other things, often implying obstruction.

in the space separating

This focuses on the spatial relationship, emphasizing the gap between the objects.

FAQs

How can I use "directly between" in a sentence?

You can use "directly between" to describe a location or position that is exactly in the middle of two things. For example, "The park is located "directly between" the library and the school."

What are some alternatives to "directly between"?

Alternatives include "right in the middle of", "exactly in the center of", or "midway between", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "directly between" or "right in the middle of"?

"Directly between" tends to be slightly more formal and precise compared to "right in the middle of", which is more informal.

When should I not use "directly between"?

Avoid using "directly between" if the object is not precisely located at an equal distance from two points. In such cases, words like "near", "around", or "close to" might be more appropriate.