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Among vs. Amongst: What’s the Difference? A Quick Guide for English Learners

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Are you among friends or amongst friends? If you’ve ever found yourself questioning which one to use, you’re not alone. Among and amongst are two prepositions that are often used interchangeably in the English language. However, there are subtle differences between the two that can affect the tone and style of your writing. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between among and amongst and provide examples to help you choose the right word for your writing.

To illustrate the differences between among and amongst, we’ll provide a variety of example sentences and a comparison table. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of when to use each word and how to make your writing more effective and engaging. So whether you’re a native English speaker or learning the language as a second language, read on to learn more about among and amongst.

Among vs. Amongst

Among vs. Amongst: What's the Difference? A Quick Guide for English Learners

Understanding Among vs. Amongst

Definition of Prepositions

Before we dive into the differences between “among” and “amongst,” let’s first define what prepositions are. Prepositions are words that show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence. They indicate things like location, direction, time, and manner. Some common prepositions include “in,” “on,” “at,” “with,” and “to.”

Prepositions are essential in English grammar, and they help to clarify the meaning of sentences. Without prepositions, sentences would be ambiguous and confusing. For example, consider the sentence “I am going the store.” Without the preposition “to,” the sentence is incomplete and does not make sense.

Among vs. Amongst: The Differences

Now, let’s talk about the differences between “among” and “amongst.” Both words are prepositions that mean “in the middle of” or “surrounded by.” However, “among” is more commonly used in American English, while “amongst” is more common in British English.

Here are a few examples to illustrate the difference:

  • American English: The book is among the papers on the desk.
  • British English: The book is amongst the papers on the desk.

As you can see, the meaning of the sentence remains the same, but the choice of preposition differs based on the dialect of English being used.

Another difference between “among” and “amongst” is that “amongst” is more formal and less common in modern English. In most cases, “among” is the preferred choice.

Here’s a table summarizing the differences between “among” and “amongst”:

Among Amongst
More common in American English More common in British English
Less formal More formal
Preferred choice in modern English Less common in modern English

Conclusion

While “among” and “amongst” have similar meanings, the choice of preposition depends on the dialect of English being used and the level of formality required. By understanding the differences between these two prepositions, you can improve your writing and communication skills in English.

More about Among and Amongst

Origins and Usage

“Among” is the older of the two words, dating back to Old English. “Amongst” is a later addition to the English language, originating in the Middle English period. Despite their different origins, both words have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably in most cases.

However, there are some differences in usage. “Among” is more commonly used in American English, while “amongst” is more commonly used in British English. In addition, “among” is generally considered to be less formal than “amongst.”

Here are some examples of how “among” and “amongst” can be used in sentences:

  • The book was hidden among the other books on the shelf.
  • The book was hidden amongst the other books on the shelf.
  • The children played among the trees in the park.
  • The children played amongst the trees in the park.

Geographical Differences

As mentioned earlier, there are some geographical differences in the use of “among” and “amongst.” In general, “among” is more commonly used in American English, while “amongst” is more commonly used in British English.

However, this is not a hard and fast rule, and there are exceptions to this generalization. For example, some British writers prefer to use “among” over “amongst” in certain situations. Similarly, some American writers may use “amongst” in more formal writing.

Here are some examples of how “among” and “amongst” are used differently in American and British English:

American English British English
Usage in everyday language “among” is more common “amongst” is more common
Usage in formal language “amongst” is more common “among” is more common
Usage in literature Both are used, but “among” is more common Both are used, but “amongst” is more common

In conclusion, while “among” and “amongst” have the same meaning, there are some differences in usage and geographical differences. The choice between the two words ultimately depends on the context and personal preference of the writer or speaker.

Grammar Rules

When to Use Among

The word “among” is used to describe something that is in the midst of or surrounded by a group of people or things. It is also used to indicate a choice, division, or differentiation involving more than two people. Here are some examples:

  • She was among the first to arrive at the party.
  • The book was hidden among the stack of papers on the desk.
  • The decision was made among the members of the committee.

When to Use Amongst

The word “amongst” is less common than “among” and is considered more formal. It is used in the same way as “among,” but is more commonly used in British English. Here are some examples:

  • The queen was seated amongst the guests at the banquet.
  • The statue was hidden amongst the trees in the park.
  • The news spread quickly amongst the villagers.

In summary, both “among” and “amongst” can be used to describe something in the midst of a group or to indicate a choice, division, or differentiation involving more than two people. However, “among” is more common in American English and is considered less formal, while “amongst” is more common in British English and is considered more formal.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

Interchangeability Misconceptions

One of the common misconceptions about “among” and “amongst” is that they are not interchangeable. However, this is not true. Both words mean the same thing, and they can be used interchangeably in most cases. The only difference is that “amongst” is considered more archaic and is rarely used in modern writing, particularly in American English.

Contextual Errors

Another common mistake is using “among” when “between” should be used, or vice versa. The key difference between “among” and “between” is that “among” is used when referring to three or more things that are not clearly distinguished, while “between” is used when referring to two things that are clearly distinguished.

For example:

  • “The book is among the papers on the desk.” (referring to three or more papers that are not clearly distinguished)
  • “The book is between the two papers on the desk.” (referring to two papers that are clearly distinguished)

Another contextual error is using “among” when referring to a group of people, instead of using “amongst”. While both words can be used in this context, “amongst” is more commonly used in British English.

For example:

  • “He was among the crowd at the concert.” (American English)
  • “He was amongst the crowd at the concert.” (British English)

It’s important to note that these contextual errors are not always incorrect, as both words can have some level of interchangeability. However, understanding the subtle differences in usage can help you choose the right word for the right context.

In summary, while “among” and “amongst” can be used interchangeably in most cases, it’s important to understand the contextual differences in usage to avoid common mistakes and misconceptions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the difference between “among” and “amongst” is mainly a matter of formality and regional preference. Both words are used to refer to being a part of a group or surrounded by people or things. However, “among” is more commonly used in modern English, particularly in American English, while “amongst” is used somewhat more frequently in British English.

When deciding which word to use, consider the context and audience of your writing. If you’re writing for a formal or academic audience, “amongst” may be more appropriate. If you’re writing for a general audience or in a casual setting, “among” is likely the better choice.

Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

  • “Among” and “amongst” mean the same thing, but “among” is more common in modern English.
  • “Among” is preferred in American English, while “amongst” is used somewhat more frequently in British English.
  • The choice between “among” and “amongst” depends on the context and audience of your writing.

To illustrate the differences between “among” and “amongst,” here is a comparison table:

Among Amongst
Formality Less formal More formal
Regional preference American English British English
Common usage More common Somewhat less common
Number of items Used for any number of items Used for more than two items

Overall, whether you choose to use “among” or “amongst,” it’s important to be consistent in your usage throughout your writing. By following these guidelines and considering the context and audience of your writing, you can ensure that your use of these words is clear, effective, and appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ‘among’ and ‘amongst’?

‘Among’ and ‘amongst’ are both prepositions that are used to indicate a relationship between things or people. However, ‘among’ is more commonly used in American English, while ‘amongst’ is more commonly used in British English.

How do you use ‘among’ and ‘amongst’ in a sentence?

Both ‘among’ and ‘amongst’ can be used in a sentence to indicate a relationship between things or people. For example, “The book was hidden among the other books on the shelf” or “The group of friends were sitting amongst the crowd at the concert.”

What is the proper use of ‘among’?

‘Among’ is used to indicate a relationship between things or people that are not clearly defined or specified. For example, “The cat was hiding among the bushes” or “The teacher distributed the papers among the students.”

Is ‘amongst’ used more in UK English?

Yes, ‘amongst’ is more commonly used in British English, while ‘among’ is more commonly used in American English.

Can ‘amongst’ be used interchangeably with ‘among’?

Yes, ‘amongst’ can be used interchangeably with ‘among’, but ‘among’ is more commonly used in American English.

What does ‘amongst’ mean?

‘Amongst’ means the same thing as ‘among’, but is more formal and less commonly used. It is used to indicate a relationship between things or people that are not clearly defined or specified. For example, “The results show that both girls are amongst the top 10% of students in the whole school.”

In summary, ‘among’ and ‘amongst’ are prepositions that are used to indicate a relationship between things or people. While they can be used interchangeably, ‘among’ is more commonly used in American English, while ‘amongst’ is more commonly used in British English. Both words can be used to indicate a relationship between things or people that are not clearly defined or specified.

'Among' and 'amongst' are both prepositions that are used to indicate a relationship between things or people. However, 'among' is more commonly used in American English, while 'amongst' is more commonly used in British English.

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Both 'among' and 'amongst' can be used in a sentence to indicate a relationship between things or people. For example, \"The book was hidden among the other books on the shelf\" or \"The group of friends were sitting amongst the crowd at the concert.\"

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'Among' is used to indicate a relationship between things or people that are not clearly defined or specified. For example, \"The cat was hiding among the bushes\" or \"The teacher distributed the papers among the students.\"

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Yes, 'amongst' is more commonly used in British English, while 'among' is more commonly used in American English.

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Yes, 'amongst' can be used interchangeably with 'among', but 'among' is more commonly used in American English.

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'Amongst' means the same thing as 'among', but is more formal and less commonly used. It is used to indicate a relationship between things or people that are not clearly defined or specified. For example, \"The results show that both girls are amongst the top 10% of students in the whole school.\"

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In summary, 'among' and 'amongst' are prepositions that are used to indicate a relationship between things or people. While they can be used interchangeably, 'among' is more commonly used in American English, while 'amongst' is more commonly used in British English. Both words can be used to indicate a relationship between things or people that are not clearly defined or specified.

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