Hello there! As an expert in linguistics and the English language, I'm here to shed some light on the intriguing question of whether "inbetween" is considered one word or not. Let's dive right in!
Firstly, it's important to understand that the English language is a living, breathing entity that is constantly evolving. Words can shift in meaning, usage, and even spelling over time. This is especially true when it comes to compound words and hyphenated forms, which can often blur the lines between being one word or two.
The term "in-between" has been used in various contexts, and its usage can depend on the situation. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the hyphenated noun "in-between" can mean:
- (a) An interval.
- (b) A person who intervenes.
This suggests that "in-between" is recognized as a legitimate form, at least in certain contexts. However, the OED also notes that language use can vary, and what is considered correct in one instance might not be in another.
When it comes to the spelling of "in-between" as one word or two, there are a few factors to consider:

1. Context: In formal writing, it's often safer to use "in between" as two separate words. This is because it's more widely understood and accepted in formal contexts. However, in informal or conversational settings, you might see "in-between" used as one word.

2. Regional Differences: English is spoken in many different regions around the world, and spelling can vary from one place to another. In American English, "in between" is more commonly used as two words, while in British English, "in-between" as one word might be more accepted.

3. Style Guides: Different style guides have different recommendations when it comes to compound words and hyphenation. For example, the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook tends to prefer "in between," while other guides might allow for "in-between" in certain cases.

4. Evolution of Language: As mentioned earlier, language is always changing. It's possible that "in-between" could become more widely accepted as one word in the future, just as other compound words have evolved over time.
It's also worth noting that the perception of "in-between" as one word or two can be influenced by personal preference, education, and exposure to different forms of English. Some people might be more accustomed to seeing it as one word, while others might prefer two.
In conclusion, whether "in-between" is considered one word or two can depend on a variety of factors, including context, regional differences, style guides, and the ever-evolving nature of language. It's always a good idea to be aware of these factors when deciding how to use "in-between" in your writing or speech.
Now, let's move on to the next step.

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I had not previously been aware of seeing it printed other than as two words, but the practice seems not to be particularly new. The OED records the hyphenated noun in-between as meaning '(a) An interval. (b) A person who intervenes.'Feb 22, 2012read more >>