Among and between are prepositions that show how things are positioned or related. Use among for something surrounded by a group, included in it, or shared across it. Use between for the space or interval separating distinct points, or for a relationship or comparison that treats the people or things separately. A bench among the trees sits in the grove. A bench between the oak and the maple sits in the gap defined by those two trees. Between can also link three or more distinct parties.
Use among for a group or its members
- Surroundings. We found the key among the loose buttons. The buttons are scattered around the key.
- Membership. Two first-time runners were among the finalists. Both runners belong to the group of finalists.
- Distribution. Volunteers shared the spare gloves among the crews. The gloves went to members of the group.
A group can appear as a singular noun. In Excitement spread among the audience, the audience stands for the people in it. Merriam-Webster’s entry for among.
Use between for distinct positions or relationships
The appointment is between noon and two locates a time using two endpoints. The guide explains the differences between paper, glass, and metal containers uses between with three kinds of labels because the comparison treats them as distinct. The items can also be unnamed. Leave a gap between the tiles means to leave a space where neighboring tiles meet. Merriam-Webster’s usage guide to between and among.
See where the meanings overlap
Both words can work for sharing. The coordinator divided the remaining shifts among Priya, Lin, and Mateo describes distribution across the group. The coordinator divided the remaining shifts between Priya, Lin, and Mateo treats them as distinct recipients. If each person gets two shifts, state that separately. MLA on choosing between and among.
In some sentences the choice gives the reader a different picture. Walking among the stalls places you in the market amid the stalls. Walking between the stalls draws attention to the gaps you walk through.
Common expressions with among and between
- Between you and me, I’d move the rehearsal indoors. The phrase asks the listener to keep the comment private. Use me as the object of the preposition.
- The repair kit contains pliers and spare screws, among other things. The expression tells readers the list is partial.
Practice choosing among or between
- Fill both blanks. One seed packet was buried ___ the receipts on the counter. Another was tucked ___ the pages of a notebook.
- Choose a word for a review that compares three distinct models. The differences ___ the Elm, Pine, and Oak lamps are easy to see in daylight.
- Rewrite Nora stood among the musicians so readers know she stood in the gap separating the drummer and the bassist.
- Could both words work here? We split the travel costs ___ three teams. Explain what each choice emphasizes.
- Complete the expression that signals a partial list. The festival offers pottery, bookbinding, and weaving, ___ other things.
- Edit Between you and I, I’d take the earlier train. Explain your change.
Show answers and explanations
- Among the receipts. Between the pages. The receipts surround the first packet. The second packet sits in a particular gap between neighboring pages.
- The differences between the Elm, Pine, and Oak lamps. The review compares three distinct models. The word between works for that comparison.
- Nora stood between the drummer and the bassist. The two people locate the gap where Nora stood.
- Both work. Among three teams emphasizes spreading the costs across the group. Between three teams treats the teams as separate parties sharing the costs.
- Among other things. The phrase leaves room for activities beyond the three named.
- Between you and me, I’d take the earlier train. You and me are objects of between. The speaker uses the subject form I in I’d take.
Related grammar guides
- See how pronouns change after prepositions. I vs. Me.
- Find examples of prepositions for locations and times. Prepositions of Time and Place.
- Look up other word pairs that are easy to mix up. Confusing Words.
