in the meantime

Meaning

This phrase refers to the period of time between two events, or the time while you are waiting for something to happen. It is used to describe an action that occurs during this interim. It is neutral and can be used in both speech and writing.

Examples

• The doctor will see you in twenty minutes; in the meantime, you can wait here.

  The doctor will see you in twenty minutes; in the meantime, you can wait here.

• My car is being repaired, so in the meantime, I'm taking the bus.

  My car is being repaired, so in the meantime, I'm taking the bus.

• The main course will take a while, but in the meantime, let's order some appetizers.

  The main course will take a while, but in the meantime, let's order some appetizers.

• We are waiting for the contract, but in the meantime, we can start planning.

  We are waiting for the contract, but in the meantime, we can start planning.

• The movie starts at eight; what should we do in the meantime?

  The movie starts at eight; what should we do in the meantime?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I will wait for you. In the mean time, I will read a book.

  ✓ I will wait for you. In the meantime, I will read a book.

  'Meantime' is written as a single word, not two separate words.

• ✗ The train is late. Meanwhile of waiting, we drank coffee.

  ✓ The train is late. In the meantime, we drank coffee.

  'In the meantime' is an adverbial phrase and cannot be followed directly by 'of' and a gerund.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The dinner will be ready in an hour. ___, let's play a board game.

  💡 While we wait

  Show answer

  In the meantime

• Our new computer arrives next week, so we must use the old one ___.

  💡 during this temporary period

  Show answer

  in the meantime