Between vs. Among: Differences between Between and Among

Between vs. among! Learn the Difference between between vs. among in English with examples and ESL images.

Between vs. Among

Between and Among are both prepositions.

How to Use Between

Often used for two items

• They’re building a new road between Manchester and Sheffield.

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

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

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

• I’m trying to decide between the athletic shoes, boots, and high heels.
• There has been a marked increase in trade between France, Germany and Italy.

Use between to connect times or numbers

• A child develops rapidly between the ages of 13 and 16.
• Most wines contain between 10% and 15% alcohol.

How to Use Among

Often used for three items or more

• That old temple is hidden among trees.

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

• She began rummaging among the books on her desk.
• The secret was spread among the crowd.

Note:

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

Between is used to describe something at specific path or point

• 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)

• She lives in that house among the trees.
• Mary is popular among the students.

Common Words and Phrases Used with Between vs. 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 reward money was to be distributed among the poor.

Among others/Among other things

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

Examples:

They among others, would gather intelligence on enemy strengths and fortifications.

Among other things, the group hopes to put an Internet connection and a printer in every village.

Difference between Between vs. Among | Picture

(BETWEEN vs AMONG: Difference between BETWEEN & AMONG)