In the meantime means until something happens, or while something else is going on: the hall opens at six; in the meantime, we can wait in the café. It also links parallel actions: the team was preparing the stage; in the meantime, I checked the guest list. Mean here is an old word for middle, like the mean, or average, in maths. The same mean sits in meanwhile, a near synonym.
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event will happen; in the meantime, ...; do something in the meantime
- The hall opens at six. In the meantime, we can wait in the café.
- The replacement part arrives next week; in the meantime, the machine will remain off.
- The team was preparing the stage. In the meantime, I checked the guest list.
What changed
First versionThe parcel will arrive tomorrow. In meantime, you can use my charger.
RevisionThe parcel will arrive tomorrow. In the meantime, you can use my charger.
Meanwhile has no article, so in meantime can seem right too. But the phrase needs the: in the meantime. Meantime is written as one word.
Meanwhile means the same in one word, and the two are often interchangeable. For now means for the time being, without waiting for a specific event. Until is for an exact limit: wait here until six.
Your turn
The repair is not finished yet: In ___ meantime, please use the side entrance.
Show the answer
the — The phrase always takes the definite article: in the meantime. It isn't used with a.
Say what you're waiting for and suggest something to do until then, using in the meantime.
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