in the interim

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the interim" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a period of time between two other events or periods of time. For example, "We will need to find a temporary solution to the problem in the interim."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

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 arrangement or action taken while waiting for a more permanent solution. For example, "In the interim, we will use this temporary office space while our main building is being renovated."

Common error

Avoid using "in the interim" and "in the meantime" interchangeably without considering context. While similar, "in the interim" often implies a more formal or planned temporary measure, whereas "in the meantime" can be more general. Choose the phrase that best fits the level of formality required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the interim" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the time frame during which an action occurs or a state exists. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

11%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The prepositional phrase "in the interim" serves to denote a temporary period between two events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently encountered in written English. Analysis reveals that it functions adverbially, setting the stage for actions or conditions that exist as temporary measures. While the phrase has synonyms like "in the meantime", it often implies a more formal or structured temporality, and appears with higher frequency in neutral sources, mainly news and media. Usage should be mindful of the level of formality required and the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the meantime

A direct synonym, emphasizing the time between two events.

meanwhile

A shorter, more concise synonym with the same meaning.

in the intervening period

More formal, highlighting the period that intervenes.

during the interval

Similar meaning, focusing on a specific time span.

for the time being

Implies a temporary state until further notice.

in the intervening time

Similar to "in the intervening period" but emphasizes time.

pending that

Highlights the dependence on a future event.

until then

Refers to a specific point in the future.

in the transition

Emphasizes change and movement from one state to another.

in the gap

Highlights the space of time between two events.

FAQs

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

Use "in the interim" to describe actions or conditions that exist temporarily between two defined periods. For example, "The bridge is closed for repairs; "in the interim", use the detour."

What is the difference between "in the interim" and "in the meantime"?

While both phrases denote a temporary period, "in the interim" often suggests a more formal or structured situation, while "in the meantime" is generally more casual. Both phrases can be useful alternatives depending on context.

Are there any synonyms for "in the interim"?

Yes, alternatives include "in the meantime", "meanwhile", or "in the intervening period", each carrying slight nuances in formality and emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to use "in the interim" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable to start a sentence with "in the interim". For example, "In the interim, we will focus on smaller projects."