it happened between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it happened between" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a specific time frame or range during which an event occurred. Example: "The festival took place, and it happened between June 5th and June 10th."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Today, Sgt Robel said the boy, who is now 15 and was 13 at the time of the alleged abuse, told him "it happened between five and seven times but he could not articulate exactly" what happened every time.

The Guardian

"It happened between 5pm and 5.30pm as they were sitting down to eat," they said.

Independent

It was shocking only when it happened between a mother and her child.

The New Yorker

It happened between when I was 16 and when I was 26.

The Guardian - Film

"All we know is it happened between the hours of 9 A.M. and 4 P.M".

The New Yorker

"It happened between the second and third carriages of the train on the Moscow line," one man told reporters.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

And – particularly when it happens between a mother and a daughter – it can sting.

Independent

He relates the fact insouciantly; it is just the way it happens between two people sometimes.

The New York Times - Books

It's uncanny how it happens between the ages of 29 and 33.

The Guardian - Sport

It's not physical violence, but it's dangerous because it happens between people who live closely or are intimate.

The Guardian - Books

Sometimes it comes from a full band; other times it happens between an acoustic guitar and a pair of hands.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it happened between", ensure you clearly define the start and end points, whether it's a time, date, location, or condition. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it happened between" with vague or undefined timeframes. For example, instead of saying "it happened between then and now", provide concrete dates or times to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it happened between" functions as a temporal connector, indicating that an event occurred within a specified range or duration. It serves to anchor the event in time. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: 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, the phrase "it happened between" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed temporal marker used to define when an event took place. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific reporting, demonstrating its widespread acceptance. For precise and effective communication, ensure that specific and clear boundaries are defined when using this phrase. Ludwig's analysis further supports that this phrase is correct and usable in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it occurred during

Focuses on the period in which something took place, rather than specifying start and end points.

it transpired during

Similar to "it occurred during" but implies the event unfolded over a period.

it took place within

Highlights the boundaries within which the event was contained.

it arose during

Emphasizes the emergence or beginning of an event within a timeframe.

it unfolded between

Suggests a gradual revelation or development during the specified period.

it came to pass within

A more formal and literary way of saying something happened during a specific time.

it materialized in

Implies the event became concrete or real within the given timeframe.

it was situated in

Focuses on the location in time where the event occurred.

it was limited to

Highlights that the event was confined to a particular time frame.

it existed only during

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the event, existing solely within the stated timeframe.

FAQs

How do I use "it happened between" in a sentence?

Use "it happened between" to specify a timeframe or range in which an event occurred. For instance, "The meeting it happened between 2 PM and 4 PM" or "The changes it happened between the first and second quarter".

What are some alternatives to "it happened between"?

Alternatives include "it occurred during", "it transpired during", or "it took place within", depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "it transpired between" instead of "it happened between"?

Yes, "it transpired during" is generally considered more formal and suitable for professional or academic writing compared to the more neutral "it happened between".

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "it happened between"?

It might be inappropriate when the timeframe is irrelevant or already understood from the context. Redundancy should be avoided for concise writing.