in the meantime

IPA/ɪnðə mˈiːntaɪm/
IPA/ɪnðə mˈiːntaɪm/

in the meantime — idiom

1. in the period of time leading up to a future event, while you wait for it to hap

1.慣用語B1
釋義

in the period of time leading up to a future event, while you wait for it to happen.

例句

The new bridge opens in June; in the meantime, drivers cross the river by ferry.

in the meantime filling the gap before a future event

Lucía's visa arrives next month, so in the meantime she keeps her current job.

so in the meantime linking a future event to the present wait

同義詞
  • meanwhile

    very close in meaning; works as a one-word substitute in most sentences

  • in the interim

    more formal; common in business, legal, and official writing

  • until then

    stresses the future endpoint you are waiting for, rather than the gap itself

文法句型

In the meantime, + clause

clause + in the meantime

用法筆記

Needs a nearby mention of the awaited event, since it names the gap before that event happens. Distinguish from sense 2: here something is still being waited for, rather than two actions happening at once.

常見錯誤

❌In meantime, we waited at the gate.
✅In the meantime, we waited at the gate.
💡keep 'the'; the phrase is always 'in the meantime'.
❌In the meantime of the repairs, the pool stayed shut.
✅The pool stayed shut in the meantime.
💡'in the meantime' stands alone; do not add 'of + noun' after it.

2. at the same time as another action is happening or being carried out.

2.慣用語B1
釋義

at the same time as another action is happening or being carried out.

例句

Yael cooked the rice; in the meantime, Samir chopped onions for the curry.

in the meantime joining two actions done at the same time

Élise filled in the long form; in the meantime, the nurse prepared the bed.

in the meantime marking a second task happening alongside

同義詞
  • meanwhile

    the closest everyday synonym; common in both speech and writing

  • at the same time

    plain and clear; stresses that the two actions overlap

  • simultaneously

    more formal or technical; emphasises that two things happen together

文法句型

clause; in the meantime, + clause

In the meantime, + clause

用法筆記

Connects two actions that take place together, so it usually needs a nearby clause naming the other action. Distinguish from sense 1: here nothing is being awaited — both things go on at once.

常見錯誤

❌You set the table, in the meantime I cook.
✅You set the table; in the meantime, I will cook.
💡join the two actions with a semicolon or full stop, not just a comma.
❌In the meanwhile, the guests arrived.
✅In the meantime, the guests arrived.
💡say 'in the meantime' or 'meanwhile', but not 'in the meanwhile'.