in meantime

USAGE SUMMARY

"in meantime" is a grammatically correct phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something else is happening between two events or while someone is waiting for something. Example: I will continue researching the issue and in the meantime I will work on a plan for how to address it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

In meantime, store was remodelled and was occupied by artist.

The New Yorker

In meantime, watch suitcase travel through strange parts of New York, hour by hour, on computer.

The New Yorker

In meantime Schulte has bought block at 57th S'. and will build something colossal.

The New Yorker

There are women who cannot conceive (like Monica in Secrets and Lies or Barbara in Meantime).

The Guardian - Film

Boil for a few minutes until it has reduced a little, then cool for 15 minutes to infuse. 2 In meantime, break or cut the noodles into very small pieces, pour over the boiling water and leave for about 5 minutes, until the noodles are soft.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In meantime, some SBIC members are puzzled or suspicious.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Recycle whatever comes in, in the meantime.

WikiHow

In the meantime, Sihanouk declined in importance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the meantime, Pres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the meantime, relax.

The New York Times

In the meantime, Maj.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always consider your audience. News and media, encyclopedia's, and scientific publication might necessitate more formal wording.

Common error

Avoid using "in meantime" in formal documents or academic papers. Although understandable, it might be perceived as slightly less professional. Opt for "in the meantime" or other formal alternatives like "in the interim".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in meantime" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the time frame during which something occurs. It specifies that an action or state exists temporarily, until a later event takes place, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically acceptable, "in meantime" benefits from the inclusion of "the" to form the more standard and formal phrase "in the meantime". As Ludwig AI says, this phrase serves as an adverbial phrase, indicating an action or state occurring temporarily until a later event. Primarily used in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it bridges events and provides temporal context. For formal writing, "in the interim" or "meanwhile" might be more appropriate choices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meanwhile

Single-word synonym, offering a more concise alternative.

in the interim

Formal alternative, suitable for professional contexts.

in the meanwhile

Synonymous, but less common.

during that period

Descriptive alternative, emphasizing the duration.

in the intervening period

More elaborate alternative, highlighting the time between events.

for the time being

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

pending that

Highlights that some action is on hold.

until then

Focuses on the end of the waiting period.

whilst waiting

Alternative with a temporal conjunction.

at the same time

Indicates simultaneous actions, somewhat different from the original.

FAQs

Is "in meantime" grammatically correct?

While understandable, it's more common and grammatically preferred to say "in the meantime". The inclusion of "the" makes the phrase more complete and standard.

What's the difference between "in meantime" and "meanwhile"?

"In the meantime" is a phrase, while "meanwhile" is an adverb. They can often be used interchangeably, but "in the meantime" may provide a slightly more formal tone depending on the context.

Are there formal alternatives to "in the meantime"?

Yes, formal alternatives include phrases like "in the interim" or "during that period".

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

You can use it to indicate something that happens between two events. For example, "The repairs will take a few days; "in the meantime", we'll use a temporary solution."