suspended between

USAGE SUMMARY

"suspended between" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a person or thing that is in a state or position of indecision or uncertainty. For example: "The jury was suspended between a guilty and not guilty verdict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is suspended between life and death.

The New Yorker

Once again he was suspended between extremes.

The New York Times - Arts

Like Syria itself, she was suspended between life and death.

Columbia University

Mentally, it means being suspended between adolescence and adulthood.

University of Pennsylvania

Mytho? is suspended between actual experience and fictional material.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A city ablaze, suspended between black sky and river.

The New York Times - Magazine

An organism's individuality, then, is suspended between genome and epigenome.

The New Yorker

There she is — dizzy, suspended between two beds of light.

The New Yorker

Cohen began his musical career suspended between song and speech.

The New Yorker

The torch was suspended between them on Thursday night.

The New York Times - Food

MY ideal villa is suspended between sea and sky.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about physical objects or infrastructure, use "suspended between" to create a visual of interconnectedness or dependence like a bridge suspended between two cliffs.

Common error

Avoid using "suspended between" when a simpler preposition like "among" or "in" would suffice. "Suspended between" implies a dynamic or conceptual tension, not just spatial location.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suspended between" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being in an intermediate position or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

32%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "suspended between" functions as a prepositional phrase used to describe a state of duality, uncertainty, or transition, as supported by Ludwig's analysis. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, the phrase enjoys a neutral register making it versatile for different writing styles. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, which makes it a reliable choice for conveying nuanced meanings. Remember to use it to highlight the tension or equilibrium linking two distinct elements, while avoiding overuse in simple locational descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

caught between

Expresses a similar sense of being trapped or influenced by two opposing forces or states, shifting the focus to a feeling of constraint.

balanced between

Implies a more stable equilibrium than "suspended between", suggesting a deliberate or maintained balance.

poised between

Conveys a sense of readiness or anticipation, indicating that a transition is imminent.

oscillating between

Suggests a regular back-and-forth movement between two states, adding a dynamic element.

wavering between

Highlights the indecisiveness or uncertainty in choosing between two options.

hovering between

Emphasizes a lack of commitment or a temporary state, suggesting something is not yet fully resolved.

in limbo between

Specifically indicates a state of uncertainty and delay, often with negative connotations.

at the intersection of

Focuses on the meeting point of two distinct concepts or entities, rather than a state of suspension.

midway between

Indicates a position exactly in the middle of two points, emphasizing spatial or conceptual distance.

in transition between

Highlights the process of moving from one state to another, rather than the static state of being suspended.

FAQs

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

Use "suspended between" to describe something or someone that exists in an intermediate state or position, like "The project is "suspended between" the planning and execution phases".

What are some alternatives to using "suspended between"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "caught between", "balanced between", or "poised between".

Is it correct to say "suspended among" instead of "suspended between"?

While "suspended among" might be grammatically correct in some contexts, it doesn't convey the same sense of tension or duality as ""suspended between"". "Suspended among" implies being surrounded by multiple elements, not necessarily a state of indecision.

What does it mean when something is described as being "suspended between" two things?

It typically means that the subject is in a state of transition, uncertainty, or equilibrium between the two things mentioned. It emphasizes the dynamic or conceptual tension between them.