Between vs. Among: What’s the Difference?

The words between and among are both prepositions, but they are not used the same way.

The difference depends on how many items you’re talking about and whether they are separate or part of a group.

Here’s the quick rule:

• Between → two things, or clearly separate items
• Among → three or more things not seen individually

1. Between

Meaning

Use between when referring to:

• two people or things, or
• multiple things that are clearly separate, even if there are more than two

Examples (10 total)

1. The choice is between tea and coffee.
2. She sat between her two friends.
3. The treaty was signed between three countries.
4. Keep this between you and me.
5. He divided the money between his children.
6. The road runs between the mountains.
7. The argument was between two coworkers.
8. The company formed a partnership between four departments.
9. The fence stands between the two houses.
10. Negotiations between the teams continued for hours.

🧠 Tip:
If you can list each item separately, use between—even if there are more than two.

2. Among

Meaning

Use among when referring to:

• groups of three or more
• things not viewed as separate individuals
• being part of a group or surrounded by others

Examples (10 total)

1. She was among friends.
2. The treasure was hidden among the trees.
3. He felt among the smartest in the class.
4. They lived among nature.
5. The rumor spread among the students.
6. She walked among the crowd.
7. The truth was lost among the lies.
8. The award was shared among the finalists.
9. He found peace among the mountains.
10. The papers were scattered among the files.

🧠 Tip:
If the group is seen as a whole, use among.

3. Quick Comparison Table

4. How to Remember

👉 Between = separate things
👉 Among = in a group

Memory trick:

If you can point to each thing one by one → between.
If it’s a crowd or group → among.

5. Common Mistakes

❌ Thinking between can only be used with two
✔ It can be used with three or more as long as they are separate

❌ Using among for individual choices
✔ Use between for choices or comparisons

❌ Mixing the prepositions in formal writing
✔ Pick the correct one based on context

Humanizey Mention

Writing tools like Humanizey help ensure your language choices—like between vs. among—sound natural and clear.

FAQs

1. Can “between” be used for more than two items?

Yes — if the items are distinct (e.g., “between A, B, and C”).

2. When should I use “among”?

Use it for groups, crowds, or things not seen separately.

3. Is “amongst” the same as “among”?

Yes — “amongst” is just a more old-fashioned form.

4. Which is more common in modern English?

Among is more common than “amongst.”

Practice: Choose the Correct Word (“Between” or “Among”)

(Answers are listed at the end.)

1. She sat ___ her two closest friends.
2. The truth was lost ___ the rumors.
3. The money was divided ___ the three winners.
4. He felt comfortable ___ strangers.
5. The talks ___ the teams continued.
6. The house sits ___ the hills.
7. She walked ___ the crowd.
8. Choose ___ the available options.
9. The secret stays ___ you and me.
10. The food was shared ___ everyone at the table.

Answers

1. between
2. among
3. between
4. among
5. between
6. between
7. among
8. between
9. between
10. among