Grammar › Prepositions › Between vs Among
Between vs Among
Both mean 'in the middle of', but they see the group differently:
- between — two things, or several seen as separate items (between A and B; between the three of us).
- among — part of a group or mass seen as a whole (among the crowd; among friends).
'Between' can be used for more than two when the items are separate and distinct. 'Among' is always followed by a plural or group noun.
between vs among
| Word | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| between | two things, or separate/named items | between the bank and the café; between the three of us |
| among | in a group or mass (as a whole) | a house among the trees; popular among teenagers |
When to use each
1. between — separate items
- The shop is between the bank and the post office.
- We split the bill between the four of us. (each person is separate)
2. among — a group seen as a whole
- She felt safe among friends. The letter was hidden among the papers.
3. between you and me
- Between you and me, I think he’s wrong. (object pronoun ‘me’, not ‘I’)
⚠️ ‘Between’ isn’t only for two — use it when the items are distinct: a treaty between the five nations. Use among for an undivided group: support among voters.
Common mistakes
1. ‘among’ for two separate things. a fight among the two boys → a fight between the two boys.
2. ‘between’ + a single group noun. between the crowd → among the crowd.
3. ‘between you and I’. between you and I → between you and me. Pro tip: between = separate items; among = a group or mass.
✏️ Practice: Between vs Among
1. The shop is ___ the bank and the café.
2. The cottage was hidden ___ the trees.
3. This song is very popular ___ teenagers.
4. We shared the prize money ___ the four of us.
5. There's a treaty ___ the five nations.
6. She felt completely at home ___ friends.
7. ___ you and me, I don't trust him.
8. Correct this: 'Between you and I, it's a secret.'
9. Correct this: 'The ball landed between the crowd.'
10. When do you use 'among'?
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between 'between' and 'among'?
'Between' relates separate, individual things (between the two houses; between the four of us). 'Among' places something within a group or mass (among the trees; among the students).
Can 'between' be used for more than two?
Yes, when the things are seen as separate: The border between France, Spain and Andorra; We shared the pizza between the three of us.
Is it 'between you and I' or 'between you and me'?
'Between you and me.' After a preposition, use object pronouns (me, him, us), not 'I'.
When must I use 'among'?
When the following noun is a group or mass seen as a whole: hidden among the leaves; a favourite among fans; shared among the team.
👩🏫 For teachers
CEFR objectives for “Between vs Among”:
- Can use 'between' for separate items and 'among' for a group/mass (CEFR B1).
- Can use 'between' with more than two distinct items.
- Can use object pronouns after 'between' (between you and me).
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