squeezed between

USAGE SUMMARY

"squeezed between" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe how two or more things are pressed together in a tight space. For example: "The small market stall was squeezed between two much larger shops."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The old are squeezed between.

The Guardian

In addition, nominations can get squeezed between rival power brokers.

The New York Times

"She really got squeezed between the left and the right".

The New Yorker

Lice are plucked from unwashed clothes and squeezed between thumbs.

The New York Times - Arts

At work, you're squeezed between thrusting youngsters and ageing deskblockers.

The Guardian - Opinion

The ball squeezed between his body and the leg-stump.

The Guardian - Sport

Steel companies have thus been squeezed between suppliers and customers.

The New York Times

Now the Palestinians feel squeezed between both sides.

The New York Times

Civilians are being squeezed between two implacable forces.

Independent

and squeezed between the twin oppressions of whip and sandpaper [a vicious headmaster and bullying boys]...

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The fighting will continue, with so-called moderate forces squeezed between government forces and IS.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "squeezed between", ensure that the items or entities on either side are clearly defined to provide context and clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "squeezed between" solely for physical spaces. While accurate in that context, it's often more impactful when used figuratively to describe being pressured by conflicting forces or obligations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "squeezed between" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate its position or state relative to two other entities. It describes something being physically or metaphorically confined, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The prepositional phrase "squeezed between" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe something or someone being physically or metaphorically confined or pressured between two entities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. It's frequently found in "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business" contexts, indicating its suitability for various writing styles. When using "squeezed between", it's crucial to ensure clarity by explicitly stating what is doing the squeezing, and it can be replaced by alternatives like "caught in the middle" or "sandwiched between" for subtle shifts in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

caught in the middle

Focuses on the positioning between two opposing forces or entities, often implying a lack of control.

sandwiched between

Emphasizes the physical or metaphorical layering of elements, highlighting the position of being directly bordered by two entities.

compressed between

Highlights the effect of pressure or force from opposing sides.

hemmed in by

Indicates restriction and confinement by surrounding elements.

confined by

Stresses limitation and lack of freedom due to surrounding constraints.

wedged between

Implies a tight fit within a narrow space.

jostled among

Focuses on being among a crowd with elements pushing and shoving each other.

cornered by

Emphasizes the feeling of being trapped or forced into a difficult position.

pinched between

Suggests being squeezed tightly, often causing discomfort.

surrounded by

Highlights being enclosed or encompassed by something.

FAQs

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

You can use "squeezed between" to describe something physically confined or metaphorically pressured by two or more things. For example, "The house was "squeezed between" two taller buildings" or "The negotiator felt "squeezed between" the demands of both parties".

What are some alternatives to "squeezed between"?

Alternatives to "squeezed between" include phrases like "caught in the middle", "sandwiched between", or "confined by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "squeezed between" and "sandwiched between"?

"Squeezed between" implies pressure or confinement, while "sandwiched between" often suggests a more layered or enclosed positioning. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Can "squeezed between" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "squeezed between" is suitable for formal writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and widely understood phrase that can effectively convey the idea of being positioned or pressured between two things.