We open 1m and respond 1M. Except when m= and M=, there is a "tweener" bid at the 3 level which isn't used for anything. The three possible auctions are:
1-1-3ALERT
1-1♠-3/ALERT
1-1♠-3ALERT

In all three cases, Opener is showing a raise to 3M based on "shape", and a direct raise to 3M shows specifically 18-19 balanced.