How to use "in the interim"

What Does "in the interim" Mean?

• Grammatical function: Expresses a temporal relationship, indicating an interval between two events or periods. It functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the verb of the main clause by specifying the time frame.
• Typical sentence position: Primarily initial, but can also appear at the end of a sentence for emphasis.
• Register: Neutral to formal. More formal than "in the meantime".

How to Use It

• Syntactic patterns: "In the interim" is typically followed by a comma and then the main clause of the sentence. It can also appear at the end of the clause, preceded by a comma.
• Punctuation rules: When used at the beginning of a sentence, it's almost always followed by a comma. When used at the end, it's preceded by a comma.
• Grammatical flexibility: It can start a sentence or appear at the end. It cannot be easily negated. You wouldn't say "not in the interim."
• What sounds unnatural or incorrect: Placing "in the interim" mid-clause, without proper punctuation, can sound unnatural. For example, "They, in the interim, waited" is less common and generally less effective than "In the interim, they waited" or "They waited, in the interim."

Real-World Examples

"What happened in the interim?" — The New York Times

"Much has changed in the interim." — The New York Times - Sports

"In the interim, enhanced publicity is indispensable." — The New Yorker

"In the interim, the suffering worsens." — The New York Times

"In the interim, his limited savings dwindled." — The New York Times

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/in+the+interim

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
meanwhile	More common and slightly less formal; used in similar contexts.
in the meantime	Very similar in meaning and usage, slightly less formal than "in the interim".
during that period	More descriptive and less connective; emphasizes the specific time frame.
for the time being	Suggests a temporary situation and is less formal.
until then	Highlights the end point of the interim period.
in the intervening period	Emphasizes the period between two specific events.
pending that	Indicates something will happen after a certain event.

Common Mistakes

• Incorrect punctuation: Forgetting the comma after "in the interim" when it starts a sentence is a common mistake.
• Wrong register: Using "in the interim" in very informal contexts might sound overly formal.
• Misplaced in the sentence: Inserting "in the interim" awkwardly within a clause can disrupt the sentence flow.
• Learners often confuse "in the interim" with similar phrases like "in the meantime" or misuse its position in a sentence, placing it inappropriately within a clause rather than at the beginning or end.

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Function	Register	Typical Position
In the interim	Indicates a period of time between two events	Neutral to Formal	Sentence-initial or sentence-final

FAQs

Where in a sentence can "in the interim" be placed?

"In the interim" typically appears at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma. However, it can also be placed at the end of the sentence, preceded by a comma, for emphasis. Avoid placing it awkwardly in the middle of a clause.

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How does "in the interim" differ from "in the meantime"?

"In the interim" and "in the meantime" are very similar in meaning, both referring to the time between two events. However, "in the interim" is generally considered slightly more formal than "in the meantime". You can often use them interchangeably, but consider the overall tone of your writing.

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How do I avoid misusing "in the interim"?

A common mistake is placing "in the interim" incorrectly within a clause or forgetting the comma when it begins a sentence. To avoid this, remember to generally position "in the interim" at the beginning or end of the sentence, ensuring it's set off with a comma. When choosing between "in the interim" and "in the meantime", consider the desired level of formality.