in the interim

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the interim" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to refer to a temporary period between two events or situations. Example: "The project is on hold; in the interim, we will focus on other tasks." Alternative expressions include "in the meantime" and "for the time being."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What happened in the interim?

The New York Times

Much has changed in the interim.

The New York Times - Sports

Tegel remained open in the interim.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the interim, enhanced publicity is indispensable.

The New Yorker

In the interim, they covered the traffic.

The New Yorker

Too much has happened in the interim.

The New York Times - Sports

What's happened in the interim?

The Guardian

In the interim, they leave.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What happened in the interim eight years?

The Guardian

What happened, one wonders, in the interim?

The Guardian

In the interim, the suffering worsens.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the interim" to clearly indicate a temporary measure or situation that exists between two more permanent states or events. This helps provide context and manage expectations.

Common error

While "in the interim" and "in the meantime" are similar, "in the interim" often implies a more formal or structured context. Avoid using "in the interim" in very casual conversations where "in the meantime" might sound more natural.

How to use

Learn how to use "in the interim" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the interim" functions as a prepositional phrase acting as an adverbial, modifying a verb or clause by indicating a time frame. As confirmed by Ludwig, it signifies a temporary period between two events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the interim" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote a temporary period between two events. Ludwig confirms its correct grammatical usage and indicates that it's a common phrase found predominantly in news and media, but also present in encyclopedias, science and wiki sources. While similar to "in the meantime", it carries a slightly more formal tone. To ensure clarity, it is essential to position it effectively within sentences, highlighting its function as an adverbial modifier. By keeping these insights in mind, writers can confidently integrate "in the interim" into their vocabulary, improving their clarity and adding depth to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the meantime

Replaces "interim" with "meantime", emphasizing the time aspect of the temporary period.

meanwhile

A single-word adverb that concisely conveys the same meaning of during the intervening time.

in the intervening period

Explicitly specifies the period between events, adding clarity.

for the time being

Indicates the temporary nature of a situation or action.

in the intervening time

Synonymous with "in the intervening period" but focused on time.

pending that

Suggests something will happen after a certain condition is met.

until then

Specifies actions to be taken before a future event.

during that time

Focuses on the period itself rather than the action within it.

for now

Offers a temporary solution or course of action.

provisionally

Indicates a temporary or conditional arrangement.

FAQs

What does "in the interim" mean?

"In the interim" means during the time between two events. It refers to a temporary period when something else will happen later.

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

You can use "in the interim" to describe actions or situations that occur temporarily between two defined points in time. For example, "The new CEO will arrive next month; "in the interim", the current CFO will manage the company."

What can I say instead of "in the interim"?

Alternatives to "in the interim" include "in the meantime", "meanwhile", or "for the time being". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "in the interim" formal or informal?

"In the interim" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "in the meantime". Use it in professional or official communications where a more elevated tone is appropriate.