BETWEEN vs. AMONG: The Difference between BETWEEN & AMONG

Learn the Difference between BETWEEN vs. AMONG in English.

Between and Among are both prepositions.

How to Use “Between” | Between vs. Among

• Often used for two items

Example:

Anne’s shop is between the library and a dinner.

• Although between is often used between 2 things, it is not always. Sometimes between is used with more than 2 things.

Example:

Our house is between the wood, the river and the village.

• When naming distinct, individual items (can be 2, 3, or more)

Examples:

I can’t decide between the green shirt, the blue shirt, and the black shirt.

There is a trade agreement between Mexico, Canada and the US.

• Use between to connect times or numbers

Examples:

They lived in Paris between 1996 and 2000.

What were you doing between 5.30 pm and 7.00 pm?

How to Use “Among” | Between vs. Among

• Often used for three items or more

Example:

The ancient fountain was hidden among the trees.

• When the items are part of a group, or are not specifically named (MUST be 3 or more)

Examples:

I can’t decide among these shirts.

Trade agreements exist among countries.

Note:

• We often use between and among when we talk about physical location.

Between is used to describe something at specific path or point

Examples:

Bolivia lies between Chile, Peru, Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.

I walk between the trees and the house.

Among is used to describe something that is in the middle of many things (no defined path)

Examples:

An elk stood among the trees.

The green apple is among the red ones.

Common Words and Phrases Used with Between and Among

Difference between

Example:

There is a striking difference between Jane and Mary.

Between you and me

“Between you and me” – never “Between you and I”

(This expression is used when you want the other person to keep some information a secret.)

Example:

Between you and me, I don’t think she has a chance of getting that promotion.

Distribute among

Example:

The money was distributed among schools in the area.

Among others/Among other things

In the phrases among others and among other things, among means ‘as well as’

Examples:

Her parents, among others, were worried about her travelling alone.

Among other things, I still have to pack.

What’s the Difference between BETWEEN and AMONG | Picture