What is between? Pronunciation and usage in English

between means . Learn how to pronounce and use between through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of between

betweenpreposition

/bɪˈtwiːn/
Definition & pronunciation of between

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "between" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Key Sound: /ɪˈtwiːn/

The pronunciation is broken down into three syllables:

  • ɪ – This is a short "i" sound, like in "bit" or "sit."
  • ˈtwi – This is the stressed syllable. It has the sound /twai/. Think of "twai" as emphasizing that syllable.
  • een – This part is pronounced /een/, like the word "seen."

2. Putting it Together:

So, it sounds roughly like: "ih-TWAY-een"

3. Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don’t say “be-tween”. This is a very common mistake. The "t" is silent!
  • Stress the second syllable ("twai"). If you focus on the first syllable, the word will sound wrong.
  • The “een” sound is short and quick. It’s not a drawn-out “een.”

4. Resources to Listen:

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/between/ (This website has native speakers pronounce the word.)
  • Google Translate: Type "between" into Google Translate, select the English audio icon, and listen.
  • YouTube: Search YouTube for “how to pronounce between” – you’ll find many helpful videos.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native English speaker, or are you learning?
  • What specifically are you finding difficult about the pronunciation? (e.g., the stress, a particular sound?)

Usage and examples with the word between in English

Let's break down how to use the word "between" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and uses. Here's a categorized breakdown with examples:

1. Location - Indicating Position

  • Between two things: This is the most common usage. It shows something is situated or located in the space separating two objects or places.
    • “The book is between the sofa and the wall.” (It’s in that space.)
    • “We drove between the mountains.” (Through the gap between them.)
    • “She’s sitting between her sister and her brother.”

2. Time - Indicating a Period

  • Between two times: It indicates a duration of time.
    • “I’ll call you between 3 and 5 pm.” (During that time window.)
    • “We spent a wonderful time between lunch and dinner.” (From lunchtime to when dinner was served.)
    • “The accident happened between midnight and 2 am.” (During that period.)

3. Choice/Selection – Indicating a Decision

  • Between alternatives: When choosing from a set of options.
    • “I’m trying to decide between pizza and burgers.” (Choosing one from those two.)
    • “She had to choose between going to the party or studying.”
    • “He’s between a rock and a hard place.” (Meaning he’s in a difficult situation with no good options.)

4. Relationships – Indicating a Connection

  • Between people: Used to describe relationships or connections.
    • “There was a lot of tension between them.” (A strained relationship.)
    • “He’s a bridge between the two companies.” (He connects them.)
    • “The friendship grew between Sarah and John.”

5. Grammatical Usage - "Between" as a Preposition

  • Followed by a linking verb (is, are, was, were): This is commonly used to describe a state or condition.

    • “The house between the two trees is very old.” (Describing its location – linking verb ‘is’.)
    • “He’s between jobs.” (Describing his situation – linking verb ‘is’.)

  • Followed by a noun (as an object of the preposition):

    • “There’s a problem between us.” (Mentioning the existence of a problem that connects the two people)

6. "Between You and Me" / "Between You and I" – Informal Expressions

  • Meaning: Used to indicate that you are about to tell someone a secret.
  • Correct usage: “Between you and me…” (Not “Between you and I.”) “I” is correct.

Key Points & Common Mistakes:

  • "Between" vs. "Among": This is a frequent confusion.
    • Between is used for two or more specific things that are distinct. (e.g., "The book is between the sofa and the wall.")
    • Among is used when things are grouped together. (e.g., “She swam among the fish.”)
  • Pronoun Usage: Always use “I” when “between” is a preposition. (“Between you and I…” not “Between you and me…”).

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you struggling with? (e.g., writing emails, giving presentations, speaking conversationally?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you’re unsure how to use "between"?

Synonyms for the word between

Comment ()