Confusing Words: Among (preposition) and Between (preposition/adverb)
Meaning:
Among (situated more or less centrally in relation to (several other things).)
Between (at, into, or across the space separating (two objects or regions).)
Among vs Between Clarification: The most common use for among is when something is in or with a group of a few, several, or many things. The most common use of between is when something is in the middle of two things or two groups of things.
Among vs. Between – What is the Difference, Definition & Meaning?
Among and between are not homonyms but still they are taken as confusing words. Even these words are not ineterchangeable. Both of these terms have different origins and functions within sentences.
A General Difference Between Among and Between
It is commonly said that the word ‘between’ can be used when there are two things to refer to. On the other hand, the word ‘among’ is used to refer when there are 3 or more than 3 items.
• Tell me the similarities between Sara and her daughter.
• I shall divide the cards among my four friends.
Seems like the above discussion is not enough for this case i.e. among vs. between. This is a general fact behind these words but there is a lot more that has to be cleared. I will now describe each term by giving proper definitions and functions.
Among
This particular word is used as a preposition. The meaning of among is ‘surrounded by or in the company of a group of people or things’. It means that this word is used to refer items or individuals that are usually found in a collective or massive form.
1. There began a serious discussion among the members of parliament.
2. She felt very awesome when she found herself among my friends.
3. Me and my friend were among the huge trees in the dark forest.
Between
This particular word is used as a preposition and an adverb within sentences. The meaning of between is ‘at or into the space’. This particular space is separating (usually) two items.
If these items, objects or regions are separate, distinguishable or distinct, then you can use ‘between’ in order to show the relationship. If the items are not distinct , then it is necessary to use ‘among’ rather than ‘between’.
1. There are minor differences between American English, British English and Canadian English.
2. There began a serious discussion between the Principal, the staff and the Head of Department.
3. The farm house is located between the river and the forest.
So, from the above discussion it is clear that among and between are two proper words to use. Both of these words are used as prepositions to show the relationships between or among the items to make a complete clause or sentence.
The word ‘between’ is used to refer the things that are distinct and separate. ‘Among’, on the other hand, is used to refer items that are not distinct or separate.
What Did You Learn?
Among vs. between is a slightly complicated case than the other words. Among is used to refer items that are usually found in a collective or massive form.
Unlike among, if the items are distinct and distinguishable, it is necessary to use between instead of among.