How to use among and between
The simplest way to differentiate between between and among is that only between can be used for two things.
For example:
However, when there are more than two things, the key difference is:
When a thing exists within a group, between is not a suitable preposition, and among should be used.
For example:
For example:
- Differences in lifestyle between rural and urban life are enormous.
- Girls have a choice between the traditional Guides or joining the Scouts.
However, when there are more than two things, the key difference is:
- when using between, the things are treated individually.
- when using among, the things are treated as a group.
- There was a period of dialogue between/among journals, universities, and academics.
- Between: the dialogue has three independent participants.
- Among: the dialogue is conducted within a group consisting of journals, universities, and academics.
- The inability to communicate is a source of conflict between/among the characters.
- Between: there are multiple conflicts between individual characters.
- Among: the conflict is an issue for the group of characters.
When a thing exists within a group, between is not a suitable preposition, and among should be used.
For example:
- There was widespread support among the general public for the policy.
- I was so pleased to be among friends in a strange country.
