Between vs. Among! Learn the Difference between BETWEEN and 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
Example:
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.
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’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
Examples:
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
Example:
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)
Examples:
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
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:
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)