stand in between

USAGE SUMMARY

"stand in between" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It can be used to mean "to occupy a position in the middle of two other things". For example, "The town hall stands in between two parks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

While prophets have strong prophetic faculties and ordinary humans very weak ones, the "friends of God" (awliyâ', i.e. Sufi masters) stand in between these two.

SEP

"This video begins just after she had started screaming expletives into the face of the upset kids and the mother of the children got up to stand in between [them]," the description on the video says.

The Guardian

If it ever does return, the obelisk would be placed in the burial ground where it used to stand, in between the collapsed giant stele and another that veers slightly off center.

The New York Times

BUSH: May I ask for an exception because I think we owe Carole Simpson a -- anybody can stand in between these three characters here and get the job done, we owe her a round of applause.

The New York Times

I was nursing, and I decided I wanted to leave, and my mother said, "What!" I had to get my two brothers and my dad to stand in between me and her, while I told her that I'd given in my notice.

The Guardian - Film

The seats can be locked in an upright position, meaning two rows of supporters can stand in between the barriers, which reduces the danger of a crush.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Instrumental adapters stand in-between, and are defined as individuals who pragmatically acquire new skills and readjust their reference frame to better adapt to their new environment.

Comparative Migration Studies

A clear improvement on the already attractive M8: the M9 is a truly remarkable looking smartphone that stands in-between technology and jewelery.

Forbes

It stands in-between the promise of safety and the urge to control.

Vice

Some possibilities: What stands in-between you and a deep clear, limitless compassion for all living beings?

Huffington Post

And with his gimlet eye, finicky palate and multimedia reach, Kimball wants his recipes to be the ultimate stand-in between the ingredients and the home cook.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stand in between" to clearly indicate a physical or metaphorical position that is located between two distinct entities.

Common error

Avoid using "stand in between" when a simpler preposition like "among" or "within" would be more appropriate for abstract concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stand in between" primarily functions as a prepositional verb phrase. It describes the action of occupying a position in the middle of two entities, whether physically or metaphorically. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which show the phrase being used in various contexts to indicate a position of separation or mediation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stand in between" is a prepositional verb phrase that describes occupying a position or playing a role of separation, protection, or mediation. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and serves to indicate a physical or metaphorical position in the middle of two distinct entities. While relatively rare in occurrence, the phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, though it also appears in scientific and wiki-based sources. When writing, it's important to use "stand in between" to clearly indicate a position located between two distinct entities and avoid misusing it in overly abstract contexts. Closely related phrases include "mediate between" and "act as a buffer".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act as a buffer

Highlights the protective function of separating two entities or forces.

mediate between

Focuses on resolving a dispute or conflict, highlighting the act of intervening.

intercede for

Emphasizes advocacy and intervention on someone's behalf.

be situated between

Emphasizes the physical location in the middle of two other things.

serve as an intermediary

Focuses on the role of facilitating communication or transactions.

intervene

Highlights a more general act of getting involved to affect an outcome.

come between

Implies obstruction or disruption of a relationship or process.

be a go-between

Highlights the function of relaying information or coordinating activities.

step in

Emphasizes a prompt and decisive action to get involved.

separate

Focuses on physically dividing or keeping things apart.

FAQs

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

You can use "stand in between" to describe someone or something that is physically located between two objects or metaphorically acting as a barrier or mediator. For instance, "The referee had to stand in between the players to prevent a fight".

What is an alternative to "stand in between"?

Alternatives include "mediate between", "act as a buffer", or "serve as an intermediary", depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "stood in between"?

Yes, "stood in between" is the past tense form of "stand in between" and is grammatically correct. For example, "She stood in between her children and the dog".

What's the difference between "stand in between" and "come between"?

"Stand in between" typically describes a physical position or a neutral mediating role, while "come between" usually implies obstruction or disruption of a relationship or plan.