If you have ever wondered whether to write “mean time” or “meantime,” you are not alone. These two forms look almost identical, but they do not always serve the same purpose. In everyday English, people often use them when they want to talk about something happening while another event is taking place. However, choosing the correct form depends on what you actually mean.
The good news is that the difference becomes much easier once you understand how meantime and mean time function in a sentence. For most everyday situations, meantime is the correct choice when you mean “the period before something happens” or “during that period.” On the other hand, mean time is normally used as two separate words when “mean” describes “time,” especially in technical, scientific, mathematical, or statistical contexts.
This distinction matters to both British English and American English readers. Fortunately, there is no major UK-versus-US spelling difference here. Both varieties generally use meantime as one word when referring to an intervening period.
Quick Answer: Mean Time or Meantime?
The correct form depends on the meaning.
Meantime is usually correct when you mean “during the time before something else happens” or “in the interval.”
- I will finish the report meantime.
- In the meantime, you can wait here.
- The doctor will see you soon. In the meantime, please take a seat.
Mean time is written as two words when mean acts as an adjective describing time. This form appears more often in technical or specialised contexts.
- The experiment recorded the mean time required to complete the task.
- Researchers calculated the mean time between events.
Therefore, if you are simply trying to say “while waiting” or “until then,” use meantime, usually in the phrase “in the meantime.”
Meaning of the Correct Form: Meantime
Meantime is a noun that refers to the period between two events or the period while something else is happening.
It is closely related to the phrase “in the meantime,” which means “during the intervening period” or “while waiting for something else to happen.”
For example:
The train will arrive in twenty minutes. In the meantime, you can have a coffee.
Here, meantime refers to the twenty-minute period before the train arrives.
Another example is:
Sarah is preparing dinner. In the meantime, Tom is setting the table.
The phrase tells us what happens during the period while Sarah prepares dinner.
What Does “In the Meantime” Mean?
“In the meantime” is one of the most common expressions containing the word meantime.
It means:
- during the intervening period
- while waiting
- until something else happens
- during the time between two events
- meanwhile
For example:
The manager is reviewing your application. In the meantime, please wait for an email.
The application review is one event, while waiting for the email is the activity during the intervening period.
Meantime in British English
British English commonly uses meantime in expressions such as:
In the meantime, we can continue with the project.
The builders will return next week. In the meantime, the office will remain closed.
She is away on holiday. In the meantime, her colleague will handle the enquiries.
The spelling remains meantime.
Meantime in American English
American English also uses meantime in the same way:
In the meantime, I’ll check the schedule.
The repair will take two days. In the meantime, you can use the other machine.
We’re waiting for the results. In the meantime, let’s discuss the next step.
Therefore, there is no meaningful spelling difference between British and American English in this everyday use.
What Does “Mean Time” Mean?
Although meantime is usually the form you want in everyday writing, mean time can also be grammatically correct.
The important point is that mean time has a different structure and meaning.
Here, mean and time remain separate words because mean describes time.
For example:
The mean time required to complete the test was 14 minutes.
In this sentence, “mean” means an average value. The phrase “mean time” therefore means something like average time.
You might see this construction in:
- statistics
- science
- engineering
- research
- medicine
- mathematics
- business analysis
- technical reports
For instance:
The researchers calculated the mean time between two system failures.
Here, “mean time” means the average amount of time between failures.
Mean Time as an Average
The word mean has an important mathematical meaning. In statistics, the arithmetic mean is generally calculated by adding values together and dividing the total by the number of values.
For example, suppose five students take:
- 10 minutes
- 12 minutes
- 14 minutes
- 16 minutes
- 18 minutes
to complete a task.
The mean time is:
(10 + 12 + 14 + 16 + 18) ÷ 5 = 14 minutes
So you could write:
The mean time needed to complete the task was 14 minutes.
Notice that mean time is written as two words because you are talking about the average amount of time.
Meantime vs Mean Time: Key Differences
The easiest way to understand these forms is to compare their meanings and grammatical roles.
| Form | Meaning | Typical Use | Example |
| meantime | The intervening period | Everyday English | In the meantime, I’ll wait here. |
| in the meantime | During the intervening period | Very common expression | In the meantime, you can start the task. |
| mean time | Average amount of time | Technical/statistical contexts | The mean time was 15 minutes. |
| mean time | Time described by “mean” | Specialised contexts | We calculated the mean time between failures. |
The biggest difference is therefore meaning, not British versus American spelling.
A Simple Rule
Use:
meantime = while waiting / during the interval
Use:
mean time = average time
This simple distinction will solve most cases.
Is “Meantime” One Word?
Yes.
When you use the word to describe the period between events, spell it as:
meantime
Not:
mean time
For example:
Correct:
In the meantime, I’ll call the office.
Usually incorrect for this meaning:
In the mean time, I’ll call the office.
Although “mean time” can technically appear as two words in a different grammatical context, it is not normally the correct spelling when you mean “during the intervening period.”
Therefore, remember that “in the meantime” is normally written as three words.
Is “In the Meantime” Correct?
Yes. “In the meantime” is completely standard English.
It is especially useful when you want to connect two events.
For example:
The technician is on the way. In the meantime, please switch off the machine.
The first sentence explains what will happen later. The second sentence describes what should happen while waiting.
You can use this expression in casual, professional, academic, and general writing.
Professional Example
We are reviewing your application. In the meantime, please make sure that all your contact details are correct.
Casual Example
The movie starts at eight. In the meantime, let’s grab something to eat.
Academic Example
Further research is required. In the meantime, the existing evidence should be interpreted cautiously.
Common Mistakes People Make
Because mean time and meantime sound similar, writers sometimes confuse them.
Mistake 1: Writing “Mean Time” Instead of “Meantime”
Incorrect for the usual everyday meaning:
In the mean time, I’ll finish my homework.
Better:
In the meantime, I’ll finish my homework.
Here, you are not talking about an average amount of time. You are talking about what happens during the waiting period.
Mistake 2: Separating “Meantime”
Incorrect:
In the mean-time, we can wait.
Correct:
In the meantime, we can wait.
The standard spelling is meantime, without a hyphen.
Mistake 3: Confusing “Meantime” With “Meanwhile”
The words meantime and meanwhile often express similar ideas, but they do not always appear in exactly the same grammatical structures.
For example:
Meanwhile, John was preparing the presentation.
You can also say:
In the meantime, John was preparing the presentation.
Both can communicate that something happened during the intervening period.
However, “in the meantime” is a particularly common fixed expression.
Mistake 4: Using “Mean Time” When You Mean “Average Time” Without Context
Although mean time can mean average time, readers need enough context to understand the intended meaning.
For example:
The mean time was 20 minutes.
This makes sense in a statistical or analytical context. However, in ordinary conversation, someone might wonder what kind of “mean time” you are referring to.
If you mean an average, you can often make the sentence clearer:
The average time was 20 minutes.
Correct Usage in Sentences
Let’s look at several examples to make the difference easier to remember.
Examples With “Meantime”
- In the meantime, I’ll prepare the documents.
- The bus will arrive soon. In the meantime, please remain here.
- We are waiting for the manager. In the meantime, let’s review the report.
- The shop will reopen tomorrow. In the meantime, customers can order online.
- The results are not available yet. In the meantime, we can examine the earlier data.
- She is finishing her assignment. In the meantime, I’ll make some coffee.
- The technician will arrive at noon. In the meantime, don’t use the equipment.
- The new software is being installed. In the meantime, employees can use the old system.
British English Examples
The train has been delayed. In the meantime, passengers can wait in the lounge.
The council is reviewing the proposal. In the meantime, residents can submit their comments.
The parcel should arrive tomorrow. In the meantime, you can track the delivery online.
British English commonly uses these constructions without any special spelling change.
American English Examples
The doctor will be here shortly. In the meantime, please have a seat.
The store is being renovated. In the meantime, customers can shop at the other location.
The results should arrive tomorrow. In the meantime, let’s continue working.
Again, the spelling is the same.
Examples With “Mean Time”
Now compare those sentences with examples where mean time means average time.
The mean time required to complete the experiment was 25 minutes.
The engineers calculated the mean time between system failures.
The mean time for processing an order decreased after the software update.
Researchers recorded the mean time taken by each participant.
The study measured the mean time between two consecutive events.
In these examples, “mean” has the statistical meaning of average.
A Useful Test
Ask yourself:
Am I talking about a waiting period?
If yes, use:
meantime
Ask:
Am I talking about an average amount of time?
If yes, use:
mean time
This test works in most situations.
“In the Meantime” vs “Meanwhile”
Another common question is whether “in the meantime” and “meanwhile” mean the same thing.
They are closely related.
Both can indicate that something happens during a period while another event is taking place.
For example:
The food is cooking. Meanwhile, I’ll prepare the drinks.
You could also say:
The food is cooking. In the meantime, I’ll prepare the drinks.
However, meanwhile can often stand alone as an adverb:
Meanwhile, the children were playing outside.
“In the meantime” functions as a phrase:
In the meantime, the children were playing outside.
Both forms are useful, but meantime is particularly common in the fixed phrase “in the meantime.”
Can You Say “Meantime” Without “In the”?
Yes, although “in the meantime” is much more common in everyday English.
For example:
Meantime, the workers continued repairing the road.
This construction is possible, particularly in certain styles of writing.
However, beginners will usually find “in the meantime” more natural and easier to use correctly.
For example:
In the meantime, the workers continued repairing the road.
This is a very natural sentence.
Meantime as a Noun
“Meantime” can function as a noun:
We can use the meantime to prepare for the meeting.
However, this construction is less common than:
In the meantime, we can prepare for the meeting.
Therefore, if you are learning English, focus first on the very common expression “in the meantime.”
British English vs American English
One of the most useful things to know is that British and American English generally agree on this spelling distinction.
British English
British writers use:
- meantime
- in the meantime
- mean time when “mean” describes “time,” especially in technical contexts
Examples:
In the meantime, we will continue with the work.
The mean time between failures was recorded.
American English
American writers use the same forms:
- meantime
- in the meantime
- mean time in appropriate technical contexts
Examples:
In the meantime, we’ll continue working.
The mean time required for processing was 12 minutes.
Is There a UK/US Difference?
Not really.
Unlike words such as colour/color, centre/center, or organise/organize, meantime does not have a significant British-American spelling difference.
Therefore, you can confidently use meantime in both varieties when you mean “during the intervening period.”
“Mean Time” in Science and Technology
You may encounter mean time more frequently in technical writing than in casual conversation.
For example:
The mean time between failures was 1,500 hours.
This type of expression is common in engineering and reliability analysis.
You may also see:
- mean time to failure
- mean time between failures
- mean time to repair
- mean time to recovery
In these phrases, mean generally refers to an average calculated from data.
For example:
The company reported a mean time to repair of three hours.
Here, the writer is discussing an average measurement.
Therefore, mean time is not wrong. It simply has a different function from meantime.
Why the Confusion Happens
The confusion comes mainly from pronunciation and spelling.
The phrase “mean time” sounds very similar to “meantime.”
When people hear:
in the meantime
they may mentally break it into:
in the mean time
However, standard written English normally treats the word as meantime in this expression.
English contains many words that began as combinations of separate words and later became established as single words. Meantime is one of them.
That is why relying only on sound can cause mistakes.
Instead, focus on the meaning and grammatical role.
Common Sentences: Correct or Incorrect?
Here are some quick examples.
Example 1
❌ In the mean time, I’ll wait here.
✅ In the meantime, I’ll wait here.
The second sentence is correct for the meaning “during the waiting period.”
Example 2
✅ The mean time was 18 minutes.
This can be correct if you mean the average time was 18 minutes.
Example 3
❌ The train will arrive soon. In the mean time, have a coffee.
✅ The train will arrive soon. In the meantime, have a coffee.
Example 4
✅ The researchers calculated the mean time between events.
This is correct because “mean” means average.
Example 5
✅ In the meantime, we can discuss the problem.
This is a natural everyday sentence.
Tips to Remember the Correct Usage
If you often confuse mean time and meantime, these simple tricks can help.
Tip 1: Remember “Waiting = Meantime”
When you are talking about something happening while you wait, think:
Waiting → meantime
Example:
The food is cooking. In the meantime, let’s set the table.
Tip 2: Remember “Average = Mean Time”
When mean means average, keep the words separate:
Average → mean time
Example:
The mean time was 15 minutes.
Tip 3: Memorise the Fixed Phrase
Learn this phrase as a single unit:
in the meantime
Once you memorise it, you are much less likely to write:
in the mean time
Tip 4: Ask One Simple Question
Before writing, ask:
Am I talking about an interval or an average?
- Interval → meantime
- Average → mean time
This is probably the easiest rule to remember.
Quick Reference Guide
Here is a simple guide you can save for future reference:
Meantime
Meaning: The period between events.
Example:
In the meantime, I’ll finish the report.
In the meantime
Meaning: During the period before something else happens.
Example:
The doctor will arrive soon. In the meantime, please wait here.
Mean time
Meaning: Average amount of time.
Example:
The mean time required was 20 minutes.
British English
Uses meantime and mean time in the same basic ways as American English.
American English
Uses meantime and mean time in the same basic ways as British English.
FAQs About Mean Time or Meantime
1. Is it “mean time” or “meantime”?
Both forms can be correct, but they have different meanings. Meantime means the period between events, while mean time usually refers to an average amount of time.
2. Is “in the meantime” one word?
No. The complete phrase is written as “in the meantime.” The word meantime itself is one word.
3. Is “in the mean time” wrong?
It is generally incorrect when you mean “during the intervening period.” The standard expression is “in the meantime.”
4. Does British English use “meantime”?
Yes. British English commonly uses meantime and in the meantime.
5. Does American English use “meantime”?
Yes. American English also commonly uses meantime and in the meantime.
6. What does “in the meantime” mean?
“In the meantime” means during the period while waiting for something else to happen or during the interval between two events.
For example:
The meeting starts at 3 p.m. In the meantime, you can check your emails.
7. Is “meantime” the same as “meanwhile”?
They are closely related. Both can refer to something happening during an intervening period. However, “in the meantime” is a common fixed phrase, while “meanwhile” is generally used as an adverb.
8. Does “mean time” mean average time?
Often, yes. In statistical or technical contexts, mean time can mean the average amount of time measured across a set of observations.
9. Should I write “in the meantime” in formal writing?
Yes. “In the meantime” is standard and acceptable in formal, professional, academic, and casual writing.
10. Is there a difference between UK and US usage?
There is no significant UK-US difference in the spelling or basic usage of meantime. Both varieties use the word in essentially the same way.
Final Conclusion:
In conclusion, mean time and meantime are two different expressions with different meanings and uses. Mean time refers to an average amount of time or a specific time standard, such as Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Meantime, usually written as one word, means the period between two events or while waiting for something to happen. For example, “In the meantime, you can finish your homework.”
Understanding the difference helps you choose the correct expression according to your sentence. Remember to use mean time when discussing time measurements or standards and meantime when referring to an intervening period. This simple distinction makes your writing clearer and more accurate.
