Tale of Two Words: The Between and Among Adventure

Among vs. Between

Word History

“Among” and “between” are both words that show how things relate to each other. “Between” comes from an old English word “betweon” and “among” comes from the old word “gemang”. Older words changed over time, but people kept using them because they help show where things are or how they relate.

Usage

These words help in showing places or relationships of objects.

How to Use “Between”

Use “between” to talk about two things or people.

• The cat is sitting between the two trees.
• She held the book between her hands.
• The cookie is between the plates.
• He walked between the buildings.
• I need to choose between vanilla and chocolate.

How to Use “Among”

Use “among” to talk about more than two things or people.

• The rabbit hid among the bushes.
• She found her pencil among the other pens.
• He searched among the clothes for his shirt.
• The stars twinkled among the clouds in the sky.
• She was happy to be among her friends.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Think of “between” as “in the middle of two” and “among” as “in a group”. “Between” is for two items, and “among” is for more than two.

Summary

To use these words correctly, remember:

• Between: Use for two things or people.
• Among: Use for more than two things or people.

Using these words in the right way helps make clear pictures and good sentences.