Among and between are prepositions that are used when we want to refere to location or choice. Well, if both have the same use, how do I know what is the correct word to use? What is the difference between “among” and "between"? Let's understand it now!
Probably, you notice that I wrote “What is the difference between 'among’ and 'between'?" to show that I was going to refer to these two words. According to American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, “According to a widely repeated but unjustified tradition, ‘between is used for two, and among for more than two.’ "
For example:
I can't decide between these two deserts.
I can't decide among so many deserts.As easy as pie, right? —Wrong!
The explanation above is common sense used to easily explain the difference between these words; however, many dictionaries claim that this definition is unfounded. Although “between” is used to relate to two distinct things, it is used to relate things, people, or groups individually, and "among" is used to related things or people that are part of a group.
For example:
Among all desserts, I can't decide between brownie with ice cream, cheesecake, or apple pie.All desserts is a group of things, so we use “among”. Brownie with ice cream, cheesecake, or apple pie are distinct things, so we use “between”.
How it works in practice:
1. Opt for between for relations of difference, no matter how many things or people
The CEO looked at the two reports and said, “The difference between those numbers is huge.”2. Always use between to express a position within a specific point in time or scale
The alumnus were aged between 19 and 30 years old.3. Use between to refer to any number of specific things, people, or groups
The secret is being kept between Bill, Sue, and Anne.4. Use among if the thing is expressed collectively rather than individually
The secret is being kept among his friends.P.s. The preposition “amongst” has the same meaning as “among”; however, it is more formal than “among” .
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