A proofreader doesn’t get to take the day off because two words don’t look alike. Enter Between & Among.“Between” and “among” are both prepositions. And each word may be used a lot of different ways. A lot. We’ll go over these so that you are clear on the proper circumstances for each use. This will take some time, but it will be okay.
While it’s my job to make sure that your grammar is impeccable, grammar gurus still debate about “between vs. among” rules.
Debating about rules doesn’t help you figure things out. I want you to be able to choose the correct word in your writing so that the meaning that you intend to express is as clear as possible.
Choose the word “between” to discuss an engagement between two nouns (people, places, or things).
Examples:
Just between you and me …
The flight is between New York and Chicago.
I’m choosing between peach pie and apple pie.
Just between you and me …
The flight is between New York and Chicago.
I’m choosing between peach pie and apple pie.
Choose the word “among” to describe an association among many items.
Examples:
My dogs like to play among the trees in the park.
Sally is the top student among her classmates.
Among his other talents, Tom was also a skilled pianist.
My dogs like to play among the trees in the park.
Sally is the top student among her classmates.
Among his other talents, Tom was also a skilled pianist.
For each of these examples, it is clear that the meaning of each word (“between” or “among”) is slightly different, but the context is consistent.
With the “between” examples, the sentences end with ____ and ____.
With the “among” examples, a plural noun follows each use of the word “among.”
I’m going to throw you a curve ball now, so brace yourself.
With the “between” examples, the sentences end with ____ and ____.
With the “among” examples, a plural noun follows each use of the word “among.”
I’m going to throw you a curve ball now, so brace yourself.
If a sentence is about a united group—yes, more than two nouns—then you should use “between” instead of “among”:
Between the five of us, we had enough money for what we needed for the apartment.
Between the five of us, we had enough money for what we needed for the apartment.
Pay attention to the word “five.” Ignore the preposition that contains the word “us.”
If you focus on “us,” you’re going to think “plural noun = among.” But the word “five” is what you should recognize as significant.
“Five” is a number greater than “two”, but it is still a limited group.
“Trees, talents, and classmates” in the above examples, regarding when to use the word “among," are ambiguous and essentially indefinite.
It is time to divide and conquer. What have we learned from previous posts? We’ll make these words seem like they have nothing in common.
Between
The word “between” contains the letters “tw” to help remind you that you should use “between” if the preposition relates “two” items.
When choosing a preposition that refers to a finite group of items, also use “between.”
If the possibilities can be defined, use “between.”
Among
The word “among” contains the word “on”. “On-and-on-and-on” is a colloquial way to describe infinite possibilities. When the possibilities are ambiguous, vague, or infinite, use “among.”
About the Author: Stefanie Flaxman corrects business, marketing, and educational documents in 24 hours to eliminate reputation-crushing mistakes from your writing. She's a professional proofreader and the founder of Revision Fairy® Small Business Proofreading Services. Connect with Stefanie on Twitter.
If you focus on “us,” you’re going to think “plural noun = among.” But the word “five” is what you should recognize as significant.
“Five” is a number greater than “two”, but it is still a limited group.
“Trees, talents, and classmates” in the above examples, regarding when to use the word “among," are ambiguous and essentially indefinite.
It is time to divide and conquer. What have we learned from previous posts? We’ll make these words seem like they have nothing in common.
Between
The word “between” contains the letters “tw” to help remind you that you should use “between” if the preposition relates “two” items.
When choosing a preposition that refers to a finite group of items, also use “between.”
If the possibilities can be defined, use “between.”
Among
The word “among” contains the word “on”. “On-and-on-and-on” is a colloquial way to describe infinite possibilities. When the possibilities are ambiguous, vague, or infinite, use “among.”
About the Author: Stefanie Flaxman corrects business, marketing, and educational documents in 24 hours to eliminate reputation-crushing mistakes from your writing. She's a professional proofreader and the founder of Revision Fairy® Small Business Proofreading Services. Connect with Stefanie on Twitter.
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