Meantime vs. Meanwhile – Which is Correct?
While often used interchangeably, meantime and meanwhile have distinct grammatical functions. Meantime is primarily a noun, typically appearing in the phrase “in the meantime,” referring to an intervening period. Meanwhile is an adverb, denoting “at the same time” or “during the intervening period,” and can also act as a conjunctive adverb.
Meantime or Meanwhile – Which is Correct?
Both “meantime” and “meanwhile” are grammatically correct and widely used in English, but they function differently within a sentence. The core difference lies in their primary grammatical roles: “meantime” acts as a noun, almost exclusively seen in the prepositional phrase “in the meantime,” whereas “meanwhile” functions as an adverb. You can often swap “in the meantime” for “meanwhile” without changing the overall meaning, but you cannot swap “meantime” alone for “meanwhile” due to their different parts of speech.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meantime | Noun | The intervening time; an interval | The rain stopped, and in the meantime, we had lunch. |
| Meanwhile | Adverb (or conjunctive adverb) | During the intervening time; at the same time | She prepared the salad; meanwhile, he grilled the steaks. |
How to Use Meantime
The word “meantime” is predominantly used as a noun, referring to an interval of time between two events. Its most common and practically exclusive usage is within the prepositional phrase “in the meantime.” This phrase acts adverbially, indicating what happens during an interim period. It’s a versatile phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts, providing a bridge between two actions or states.
Example 1: The main course will be ready in 20 minutes; in the meantime, please enjoy these appetizers.
Example 2: We are waiting for the official results, but in the meantime, the team is celebrating their preliminary victory.
Example 3: The flight was delayed due to bad weather. In the meantime, passengers were offered complimentary refreshments.
What are the different forms of Meantime?
“Meantime” functions almost exclusively as a singular noun within the phrase “in the meantime.” It does not have plural forms, verb conjugations, or comparative/superlative forms. Its form remains constant.
Etymology of the word Meantime
The word “meantime” originates from Middle English, combining “mean” (meaning “intervening” or “middle,” from Old French meien) and “time.” It literally means “middle time” or “intervening time.” Its usage as a noun, particularly within the phrase “in the meantime,” has been consistent for centuries, maintaining its core meaning of an interim period.
How to Use Meanwhile
“Meanwhile” functions primarily as an adverb, indicating that something is happening concurrently with another event or during the intervening period. It can also act as a conjunctive adverb, connecting two independent clauses and showing a temporal relationship. Unlike “meantime,” “meanwhile” can stand alone to introduce a clause or sentence, providing a smooth transition between related actions. It is widely used in both spoken and written English, conveying simultaneity or an action occurring during a pause in another.
Example 1: The children played happily in the garden; meanwhile, their parents prepared dinner.
Example 2: The economy is struggling. Meanwhile, unemployment rates continue to rise.
Example 3: She waited for the bus to arrive. Meanwhile, she checked her phone for new messages.
What are the different forms of Meanwhile?
“Meanwhile” is an adverb and, as such, does not change form for tenses, pluralization, or person. It does not have comparative or superlative forms. Its structure remains fixed regardless of its position or the surrounding grammatical elements.
Etymology of the word Meanwhile
“Meanwhile” also derives from Middle English, formed by combining “mean” (intervening) and “while” (a period of time). It emerged as an adverb from the phrase “the mean while,” evolving to describe actions happening during an interim period. Its adverbial function has been established for a long time, signifying “during the intervening time” or “at the same time.”
Related Concepts
Understanding the distinction between “meantime” and “meanwhile” often involves recognizing the roles of adverbs and nouns. Adverbs of time, like “meanwhile,” specify when an action occurs. They modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Nouns, like “meantime,” name things or concepts. When a noun appears in a prepositional phrase such as “in the meantime,” the entire phrase functions adverbially, describing when something happens. This highlights how different parts of speech can convey similar temporal ideas but through distinct grammatical structures.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “He left for work, and in the meantime, she started her morning yoga routine.” (Common usage)
- “The king was away at war. Meanwhile, the queen ruled the kingdom with wisdom and strength.” (Historical narrative)
- “The detectives searched for clues. In the meantime, the forensics team processed the evidence.” (Crime novel)
- “She hoped for a promotion; meanwhile, she continued to excel in her current role.” (Business report)
- “The construction project faced several delays. In the meantime, local businesses suffered from reduced foot traffic.” (News article)
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
- The power went out; _____, we lit candles and played board games.
- We’re waiting for the pizza to arrive. In the _____, let’s set the table.
- He promised to call back soon. _____, I’ll finish my homework.
- The computer is updating. In the _____, you can take a coffee break.
- She studied diligently for her exams; _____, her friends were out enjoying the party.
Answer Key
- meanwhile
- meantime
- Meanwhile
- meantime
- meanwhile
Meantime Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Interim | A temporary period of time |
| Interval | An intervening period of time |
| Hiatus | A pause or break in continuity |
Meanwhile Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Concurrently | At the same time |
| Simultaneously | Happening at the exact same moment |
| During | Throughout the course of a period of time |
| At the same time | Expressing concurrency |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Can “meantime” be used without “in the”?
No, “meantime” is almost exclusively used within the phrase “in the meantime.” Using “meantime” on its own as an adverb is generally considered incorrect in modern English; “meanwhile” should be used instead.
Question 2: Are “in the meantime” and “meanwhile” always interchangeable?
While they often convey a similar meaning of an intervening period, they are not always perfectly interchangeable due to their grammatical roles. “In the meantime” is a prepositional phrase acting adverbially, whereas “meanwhile” is a direct adverb. In most contexts where you mean “during the intervening time,” either can work, but “meanwhile” offers more flexibility as a standalone adverb or conjunctive adverb.
Question 3: Which word is more formal?
Both “in the meantime” and “meanwhile” are appropriate for formal and informal writing. There isn’t a significant difference in formality between the two; the choice often comes down to sentence structure and flow.
Conclusion
While “meantime” and “meanwhile” both refer to an intervening period, their distinct grammatical roles are key to proper usage. Remember that “meantime” functions as a noun, almost exclusively found in the phrase “in the meantime,” while “meanwhile” is an adverb. Understanding this difference allows for precise and polished communication. Pro Tip: When in doubt about which to use, consider if you need a noun within a prepositional phrase (“in the meantime”) or a direct adverb to modify a verb or connect clauses (“meanwhile”). Correctly distinguishing between these terms enhances your professional reputation and clarity in writing.
