hovering between

USAGE SUMMARY

"hovering between" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means being in a state of uncertainty or indecision between two options. Example: "She stood there, her finger hovering between the blue and red buttons, unsure of which one to press."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

We live on a continuum, hovering between East and West.

The New York Times

From some approaches Disney Hall first appears as a luminous crescent hovering between skyscrapers.

The New York Times - Arts

For three months he lay partially paralyzed, his mind hovering between reason and delirium.

Britannica

Pictures released by the Prime Minister's office show a leader hovering between relaxation and readiness.

Independent

He claims Goethe dismissed "Reynard" as a failure, "hovering" between a translation and an adaptation.

The New York Times - Books

Beyond loomed the pine-covered Bighorn Mountains, the ghost of a moon hovering between two peaks.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Foreign-exchange reserves, hovering between $5 billion-$billion-$6 billionugh to cover two to three months of imports.

The Economist

Last February, they were hovering between $9 and $10.

Forbes

The price of Bitcoin remained relatively stable over its first four years, hovering between $1 and $15.

Duke University

The strange part is that advance sales are not terrible, reportedly hovering between $4 and $5 million.

Forbes

Today it’s up more than 80% from that level, hovering between $625 and $700 an ounce.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing numerical ranges, "hovering between" can highlight a tendency to fluctuate around a central value. For example, 'The temperature was hovering between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius.'

Common error

Avoid using "hovering between" when describing physical objects that are literally hovering. This phrase is better suited for abstract concepts and figurative language. To avoid confusion, use more literal descriptions of physical positions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hovering between" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adjectivally or adverbially to modify nouns or verbs, describing a state of being in transition or uncertainty between two conditions. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase describes a dynamic state of existence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hovering between" is a versatile prepositional phrase commonly used to describe a state of uncertainty or transition. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. The phrase indicates a dynamic state of existence, suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its usage suggests nuance and complexity, making it a valuable tool for expressing ambiguity. While versatile, avoid using it to describe physical hovering. Instead, favor its metaphorical applications for abstract concepts. Alternatives like "fluctuating between" and "wavering between" offer similar but distinct shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fluctuating between

Focuses on the back-and-forth movement or variation between two points.

wavering between

Emphasizes the indecisiveness or hesitation between two options.

oscillating between

Highlights a regular, repeating pattern of movement between two states.

straddling the line between

Suggests an attempt to occupy or exist in both of two contrasting positions.

existing in the space between

Focuses on the presence within the area that separates two distinct entities.

caught between

Implies being stuck or trapped between two opposing forces or choices.

in limbo between

Conveys a sense of being in an uncertain or transitional state.

bordering on both

Suggests a state that nearly reaches or touches two different conditions.

poised between

Indicates a state of readiness or balance between two options.

suspended between

Emphasizes a temporary or prolonged halt in decision-making, holding the subject in an unresolved condition between two or more options.

FAQs

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

Use "hovering between" to describe a state of indecision, transition, or ambiguity. For example, "The company's profits were hovering between stagnation and growth."

What phrases are similar to "hovering between"?

Alternatives include "fluctuating between", "wavering between", or "oscillating between", each emphasizing different aspects of being in an intermediate state.

Is "hovering between" formal or informal?

"Hovering between" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile choice for various writing styles. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone.

What's the difference between "hovering between" and "ranging between"?

"Hovering between" suggests a less structured fluctuation, whereas "ranging between" implies a defined spectrum of values. You might say profits are "hovering between" two figures to suggest instability, but "ranging between" is preferred to report static data between minimum and maximum values.