In The Meantime for Dummies

In the meantime is a phrase that we often use in our daily conversations, and it's important for us to understand what it means so we can communicate effectively. So, let's break it down using simple words and examples that will help you grasp its meaning. When we say "in the meantime," we are referring to the period of time between two specific events or moments. It's like a sort of waiting time, a gap that exists between when one thing happens and when another thing happens. For example, imagine you are waiting for your parents to pick you up from school, but they're running a bit late. You could say, "In the meantime, I can play with my friends or do some homework." So, in this case, "in the meantime" means that while you're waiting for your parents, you can fill that time by doing other things. It's like a temporary pause or intermission before the main event or action takes place. You're using this time effectively and not just idling away. But wait, there's another way we can use this phrase! Sometimes, "in the meantime" can also refer to a temporary solution or plan that we implement while we're waiting for a more permanent one. Let's say you and your friends are hungry and want to have pizza for dinner, but the pizza place is closed at the moment. So, while you wait for the pizza place to open, you decide to have some sandwiches instead. This temporary solution of having sandwiches could be referred to as "in the meantime" because it's a substitute or an alternative plan while you wait for your desired outcome. To sum it up, "in the meantime" is a phrase we use to talk about the time or the actions that happen while we're waiting for something else to occur. It's a way to make the most of the time in between events or to come up with temporary solutions. So, the next time you hear or use "in the meantime," remember that it's like a little break or a pause before something else happens, and it's a chance to make the best use of that time.