Among vs. Between: How to Choose the Correct Word

Making the Right Choice

Many people believe that between is only for two items and among is for three or more. While this is often true, the real rule is more nuanced. Let's understand when to use each word correctly.

Basic Rule Table

Here's the fundamental difference between these words:

Word	Main Use	Think of it as
between	For distinct, individual items	Connecting specific points
among	For groups or non-specific items	Moving within a crowd

Understanding BETWEEN

We use between when we're talking about distinct, individual items or choices, even if there are more than two! The key is that the items are separate and clearly identified.

When to Use Between

✅ Use between when:

• Comparing distinct choices
• Showing relationships
• Discussing specific locations
• Making clear distinctions
• Showing exact divisions

For example:

• The secret lies between Tom, Sarah, and John. (Correct because these are specific individuals)
• Choose between chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. (Correct because these are distinct flavors)

Understanding AMONG

Among is used when things are part of a group or when individual items are not clearly separated or identified. Think of it as being surrounded by or mixed into something.

When to Use Among

✅ Use among when:

• Talking about group membership
• Discussing non-specific items
• Describing general distribution
• Referring to collective groups
• Indicating inclusion in a crowd

For example:

• The disease spread among the population. (Correct because population is a general group)
• She felt at home among friends. (Correct because friends is a collective group)

Comparison Table with Examples

Context	between	among
Location	The book is between the lamp and the cup	The book was hidden among the papers
Choices	Choose between pasta and rice	Pick any dish among the options
People	The money was divided between the three sisters	She distributed candy among the children
Time	Between 2 PM and 4 PM	Among her many activities that day
Agreement	Agreement between nations	Popular among voters

Common Expressions

Understanding common expressions can help you remember the correct usage:

With between

• Between you and me
• Between jobs
• Between a rock and a hard place
• Between now and then
• Between life and death

With among

• Among other things
• Among friends
• Among the best
• Among the crowd
• Among equals

Special Cases and Exceptions

Sometimes the choice isn't obvious. Consider these situations:

Multiple Distinct Items

• The prize money was divided between the four winners. (Correct because each winner is distinct)
• The prize money was distributed among the contestants. (Correct because contestants are a general group)

Time and Distance

For specific points in time or space, use between:

• Between Monday and Friday
• Between New York and London
• Between birth and death

Practice Section

Try filling in the blanks with between or among:

1. The negotiations _____ the three companies lasted hours.
2. She wandered _____ the trees in the forest.
3. The difference _____ right and wrong is clear.
4. He was popular _____ his classmates.
5. The dispute _____ Tom, Dick, and Harry was resolved.

Quick Reference Guide

Ask yourself these questions to choose the right word:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ The book was lost among the desk and the chair.
✅ The book was lost between the desk and the chair.
(Because the desk and chair are distinct items)

❌ She stood between the crowd.
✅ She stood among the crowd.
(Because "crowd" is a general group)

Remember!

Think of it this way:

• between connects specific dots
• among mingles with the group

Solutions for Practice:
1. between (specific companies)
2. among (general group of trees)
3. between (distinct concepts)
4. among (general group)
5. between (specific individuals)