In vs. Within Usage?

Question

1. "I know, deep in my heart, that I love her."
2. "The weapon was hidden deep within the building."

This is how I would naturally phrase the sentences above, but can the prepositions "in" and "within" be interchangeably used in both sentences, and why?

Thank you in advance!

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

Hello, Nocteliv—and welcome to English Forums.

Noctelivcan the prepositions "in" and "within" be interchangeably used in both sentences, and why?

Yes. Why do you think they may not?

Nocteliv · Answer

Thank you for clarifying. I remember having been taught that the two prepositions shouldn't be interchangeable, and that 'in' was generally used when referring to locations while 'within' was associated with limits or deadlines.

Mister Micawber · Answer

Noctelivthe two prepositions shouldn't be interchangeable

Generally, synonyms are interchangeable in certain contexts (as with yours), but of course not always.

Noctelivt 'in' was generally used when referring to locations while 'within' was associated with limits or deadlines

That sounds like a reasonable guideline, though the limits put on 'within' seem too strict: it is often used of physical location as well.

In vs. Within Usage?

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