something in between

USAGE SUMMARY

"something in between" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a situation where two objects or concepts are too extreme, and you propose something that is a less extreme option or compromise. For example, "The two sides could not agree on a price, so they decided to look for something in between."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Or perhaps something in between.

The Economist

It was something in between.

The New Yorker

There is something in between.

The New York Times

Or something in between?

Columbia University

Bronzino does something in between, less extreme.

The New York Times - Arts

I think there's something in between.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

We tried to do something in-between".

The New York Times

So, something in-between?

The Guardian

Well, something in-between is what we're getting.

The Guardian

I need something in-between the two.

TechCrunch

It was, rather, something in-between.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "something in between" when you want to suggest a compromise or a less extreme option than the two choices presented. It's particularly useful in negotiations, debates, or discussions where finding common ground is crucial.

Common error

While versatile, "something in between" might sound too informal in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "an intermediate solution" or "a balanced approach" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something in between" functions as a noun phrase representing a compromise, middle ground, or intermediate state between two defined extremes. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples of usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something in between" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys the idea of a compromise, a middle ground, or an intermediate option. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in both formal and informal contexts. While primarily used in News & Media, its presence in academic and business settings indicates its broad applicability. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "a middle ground" or "a compromise solution" to maintain clarity and impact. When writing, remember to consider your audience and context, opting for more formal alternatives in academic papers or business proposals. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and effectively use "something in between" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a middle ground

Focuses on the spatial metaphor of being in the center.

a compromise solution

Highlights the resolution aspect of finding a balance.

a balanced approach

Emphasizes fairness and equilibrium.

an intermediate option

Uses a more formal and technical term for a mid-point.

a halfway point

Stresses the equal distance between two extremes.

a blend of both

Suggests a combination of the qualities of two options.

a hybrid solution

Implies a merging of different elements into a unified whole.

a moderate course

Indicates a decision to avoid extremes.

a middle course

Emphasizes navigating between two distinct paths.

a synthesis of ideas

Suggests a creative integration of different concepts.

FAQs

How can I use "something in between" in a sentence?

You can use "something in between" when discussing options that are not at either extreme. For example, "The company needed a marketing strategy that wasn't too aggressive or too passive; they needed "something in between"."

What's a more formal alternative to "something in between"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "an intermediate option", "a compromise solution", or "a balanced approach". These alternatives offer a more sophisticated tone.

Is "something in between" suitable for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "something in between" might be perceived as too casual for rigorous academic papers. Using terms like "an intermediate stage" or "a synthesis" may be more appropriate.

How does "a middle ground" differ from "something in between"?

"A middle ground" refers more specifically to a compromise or area of agreement between conflicting parties, whereas "something in between" is a broader term that simply indicates a point or option that lies between two extremes. While they are similar, "something in between" can refer to more abstract ideas and not necessarily require people to agree.