it is between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is between" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a position or relationship that is in the middle of two points, objects, or concepts. Example: "The meeting is scheduled for 2 PM, and it is between the lunch break and the end of the workday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is between hawk and dove".

The New Yorker

It is between being and nothing.

The New York Times

"It is between you and the creator".

The New York Times

(It is between shows now).

The New York Times - Arts

It is between Gustav and Anton.

The Guardian - Books

It is between rehab and cold turkey.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is between liberty with order and anarchy without either.

The New York Times

In the UK, it is between 9% and 12%.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is between the people and the Army.

The New Yorker

In Greece it is between 115% and 120%.

The Guardian

But it is between two people and not 20 million.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, use "it is between" to highlight the tension or interplay of opposing ideas, making your argument more nuanced.

Common error

Avoid using "it is between" when referring to more than two distinct items. Use "among" instead when indicating a relationship involving three or more elements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is between" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a position, range, or relationship that exists in the middle of two defined points. As confirmed by Ludwig, this usage is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is between" is a versatile expression used to indicate a position, range, or relationship falling within two defined limits. According to Ludwig, its grammatical structure is correct, and it is frequently used across diverse contexts, including News & Media and Science. While generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to ensure the reference is strictly to two entities and to avoid ambiguity in measurements. By understanding its primary function and potential misuses, writers can effectively employ "it is between" to enhance clarity and precision in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is intermediate to

Highlights the transitional or in-between nature of the subject.

it is a compromise between

Highlights that the subject blends elements of two different parts or sides.

it falls within

Suggests inclusion within a specified range, rather than a position between two points.

it's a midpoint of

Focuses on the central position relative to two endpoints.

it lies in the range of

Emphasizes the numerical or quantifiable aspect of the range.

it is suspended between

Implies a state of uncertainty or unresolved tension.

it is confined between

Suggests restriction or limitation within defined boundaries.

it resides amongst

Implies a more general location without strict boundaries.

it is situated amidst

Emphasizes the surrounding context or environment.

it is bordered by

Conveys a sense of physical adjacency and limits.

FAQs

How can I use "it is between" in a sentence?

Use "it is between" to show a relationship, location, or value that lies in the middle of two other things. For instance, "The meeting is scheduled, and "it is between" 2 PM and 4 PM".

What can I say instead of "it is between"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "it falls within", "it lies in the range of", or "it is intermediate to".

When is it incorrect to use "it is between"?

It's generally incorrect to use "it is between" when referring to more than two distinct items. In such cases, use "among" instead.

What's the difference between "it is between" and "it lies between"?

While both phrases indicate something is situated in the middle of two things, "it lies between" often emphasizes a position within a range, while ""it is between"" can refer to a relationship or compromise between two things.