Between vs Among: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Between" is used for distinct or individual elements, while "among" is used within a group.
Memory Tip: between = two entities, among = group setting
between has /t/, among has /m/
between /bɪˈtwin/
prepositionIn the space separating two things or people.
Example:
If you put the table between the sofa and the window, there will be more space in the living room.
Common patterns:
between two things
between people
between /bɪˈtwin/
adverbIn the space separating two things or people.
Example:
If you put the table between the sofa and the window, there will be more space in the living room.
Common patterns:
in the middle of
among
among /əˈmʌŋ/
prepositionIn the middle of or surrounded by a group of people or things.
Example:
Among all the books I've read, this one is the most inspiring.
Common patterns:
among friends
among the trees
Common Mistakes
She had to choose among the two options.
She had to choose between the two options.
There are two distinct options, so 'between' is correct.
The secret was shared between the team members.
The secret was shared among the team members.
The team members form a group, so 'among' is correct.
Quick Practice
0/3 correct1. If you put the table ____ the sofa and the window, there will be more space in the living room.
2. If you put the table ____ the sofa and the window, there will be more space in the living room.
3. ____ all the books I've read, this one is the most inspiring.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse between / among again
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