This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 preposition #36 most common 11 min read

among

Top 36

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips among in 30 Seconds

Explanation among in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'among' is a simple word used to describe where something is. It means being in the middle of many things. For example, if you have many toys and your favorite car is in the middle of them, you can say the car is 'among the toys.' It is like saying 'with' but for a big group. Beginners use it to talk about being with friends or finding things in a group. It helps you describe a scene simply. You might see it in stories about animals, like a bird 'among the trees.' It is a basic way to show that something is not alone but is part of a larger group. You don't need to worry about complex rules yet; just think of it as being 'in the middle of many.'

At the A2 level, you start to use 'among' to talk about sharing and simple groups. You might say, 'We shared the pizza among the four of us.' This shows that the pizza was divided into many pieces for the whole group. You also use it to describe being in a crowd. If you are at a concert, you are 'among the fans.' It is more specific than 'with' because it implies there are many people around you. You will also see it in descriptions of places, like a house 'among the hills.' At this level, you are learning that 'among' is for more than two things, while 'between' is usually for two. This is a key step in improving your preposition use.

At the B1 level, 'among' becomes more versatile. You use it to talk about social trends and opinions. For example, 'This movie is popular among teenagers.' This means that many teenagers like the movie. You also use it to identify someone as a member of a group: 'He is among the best students in the class.' This shows he is part of a high-level group. You are now comfortable using 'among' for both physical locations and abstract ideas. You understand that 'among' helps you talk about what is happening inside a community or a collective. You might also start to notice the difference between 'among' and 'between' in more detail, using 'among' for groups where individuals aren't specifically named.

At the B2 level, you use 'among' with more precision and in more formal contexts. You might use it in essays to discuss distributions of wealth or opinions: 'The wealth was distributed among the various social classes.' You also use it to highlight a specific item from a set for emphasis: 'Among the many reasons for the war, economic tension was the most significant.' This shows a sophisticated command of sentence structure. You understand the nuance that 'among' implies a collective or a mass, whereas 'between' is for distinct, individual relationships. You are also likely to encounter 'amongst' in literature and understand that it is a more formal or British version of the same word.

At the C1 level, 'among' is used to express subtle nuances in academic and professional writing. You use it to categorize complex ideas and to describe internal dynamics within large, abstract groups. For instance, 'There is a growing consensus among theoretical physicists regarding the nature of dark matter.' Here, 'among' defines a specific professional community. You also use it in rhetorical structures to create a sense of inclusion or to draw comparisons within a set. You are aware of the stylistic choice between 'among' and 'amid' for abstract versus countable contexts. Your use of 'among' is natural and helps to create a flow in your writing that reflects a deep understanding of collective nouns and group dynamics.

At the C2 level, your use of 'among' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You use it to navigate complex social, political, and philosophical discussions with ease. You might use it in literary analysis to describe a character's place within a societal structure or in scientific papers to describe the distribution of variables within a population. You understand the historical evolution of the word and can use 'amongst' intentionally for stylistic effect in formal prose. You master the use of 'among' in idiomatic expressions and can manipulate sentence structures to place 'among' in positions that provide maximum rhetorical impact. Your command of the word allows you to describe the most intricate relationships within and between groups.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

among in 30 Seconds

Used for groups of three or more.
Indicates being surrounded or included.
Used for sharing or dividing in a group.
Common in social and statistical contexts.

The preposition 'among' is a cornerstone of the English language, primarily utilized to denote a sense of inclusion, surrounding, or collective participation within a group of three or more distinct entities. At its most fundamental level, 'among' describes a spatial relationship where an object or person is physically positioned in the middle of a crowd, a collection of items, or a natural environment. For instance, standing among the trees suggests being enveloped by the forest. Beyond the physical, 'among' is indispensable for discussing social and abstract distributions. When we speak of a sentiment being shared among friends, we are highlighting a collective experience that permeates a group. It is the go-to word for dividing resources, such as splitting a prize among winners or distributing tasks among team members.

Spatial Inclusion: This refers to being physically surrounded by other things. It implies a lack of specific, individual boundaries between the subject and the surrounding group.

The small cottage was nestled among the towering pine trees of the northern woods.

Collective Distribution: Used when something is being shared or divided between three or more people or groups. It emphasizes the group as a whole rather than individual transactions.

In academic and formal contexts, 'among' is frequently used to categorize or identify a member of a prestigious or specific class. To say someone is 'among the greatest' is to place them within a high-ranking group. This usage is common in historical analysis, scientific classification, and literary criticism. For example, 'Among the various species of mammals, the blue whale is the largest.' Here, 'among' serves as a filter, narrowing the focus to a specific set within a larger category.

There is a growing sense of urgency among climate scientists regarding rising sea levels.

Member of a Group: This usage identifies a person or thing as being part of a larger, often distinguished, group or class.

He was among the first to arrive at the gala.

The tradition has been passed down among the villagers for centuries.

Fear spread among the population as the storm approached.

People use 'among' to describe the atmosphere within a community. Whether it is 'discord among colleagues' or 'harmony among neighbors,' the word captures the internal dynamics of a collective. It is a versatile tool for writers and speakers to paint a picture of togetherness or shared experience, moving beyond simple location to describe the very fabric of social interaction.

Using 'among' correctly requires an understanding of its relationship with plural nouns or collective groups. Unlike 'between,' which typically links two specific entities, 'among' thrives in the company of three or more. When constructing a sentence, the object of the preposition 'among' must be a plural noun or a collective noun that represents a group. For example, 'The secret was shared among the members.' Here, 'members' is a plural noun representing a group of at least three people. If there were only two members, 'between' would be the appropriate choice.

Plural Noun Objects: Always ensure that 'among' is followed by a word that implies a group, such as 'friends,' 'options,' 'nations,' or 'people.'

She felt quite comfortable among strangers because of her outgoing nature.

Distributional Usage: When dividing something, 'among' indicates that the distribution is happening within a whole group rather than through individual, one-to-one exchanges.

In more complex sentence structures, 'among' can start a sentence to provide context or emphasis. 'Among the many challenges we face, poverty is the most pressing.' This structure highlights a specific item by pulling it out of a larger set. It is a powerful rhetorical device used in speeches and formal writing to prioritize information.

Among the artifacts found in the tomb were gold coins and ancient scrolls.

Abstract Grouping: 'Among' is often used with abstract concepts to show where a particular idea or person fits within a broader philosophical or social landscape.

His name is often mentioned among the pioneers of modern medicine.

The virus spread rapidly among the unvaccinated population.

The decision caused a great deal of controversy among the board members.

Finally, 'among' is used to express a choice from a set. 'Choose among the available options.' This implies that there are several choices, and the selection is being made from the entire pool. It emphasizes the variety and the collective nature of the choices available to the subject.

The word 'among' is ubiquitous in daily life, appearing in everything from casual conversations to high-level political discourse. In the news, you will frequently hear it used to describe trends or statistics within specific demographics. Reporters might say, 'Unemployment is rising among young adults,' or 'Support for the new policy is high among suburban voters.' This usage helps to segment the population and provide a clearer picture of social dynamics. It is also a staple in sports commentary, where an athlete might be described as being 'among the elite' or 'among the top scorers in the league.'

News and Media: Used to report on social trends, survey results, and demographic data, highlighting how certain phenomena affect specific groups.

The survey found that anxiety levels are particularly high among healthcare workers.

Literature and Storytelling: Authors use 'among' to set the scene, describing characters moving through crowds or objects hidden within a collection.

In professional settings, 'among' is used to discuss internal communications and distributions. A manager might say, 'We need to foster better communication among the different departments.' This emphasizes the need for a holistic, group-wide improvement. In legal and business documents, 'among' is used to define parties in an agreement or the distribution of assets. 'The profits shall be divided among the shareholders.' This ensures that the distribution is understood to involve the entire group of shareholders as a collective entity.

There is a consensus among the experts that the economy will recover by next year.

Everyday Conversation: Used casually to talk about social circles, shared opinions, or the location of items in a messy room.

I found my keys hidden among the papers on my desk.

He is well-liked among his peers for his sense of humor.

The news of the merger caused quite a stir among the employees.

You will also find 'among' in academic textbooks, particularly in history and sociology, where it is used to describe movements, beliefs, or conditions within specific eras or societies. 'Among the Romans, stoicism was a popular philosophy.' This usage helps to define the boundaries of a historical or cultural group and the ideas that circulated within it.

The most frequent mistake learners and even native speakers make is confusing 'among' with 'between.' The traditional rule is that 'between' is used for two items and 'among' is used for three or more. While this is a good general guideline, the reality is slightly more nuanced. 'Between' is used when referring to distinct, individual items, even if there are more than two. For example, 'The negotiations between France, Germany, and Italy' is correct because the countries are distinct entities. 'Among' is used when the items are part of a group, mass, or collective that is not clearly differentiated.

Among vs. Between: Use 'among' for groups and 'between' for distinct individuals. Incorrect: 'I had to choose among the red shirt and the blue shirt.' Correct: 'I had to choose between the red shirt and the blue shirt.'

Incorrect: Divide the cake among the two of us. Correct: Divide the cake between the two of us.

Redundant Phrases: Avoid phrases like 'amongst each other.' The word 'among' already implies a collective relationship. Instead, use 'among themselves' or 'with each other.'

Another common error is the misuse of 'amongst.' While 'amongst' is a legitimate word, it can sound overly formal or archaic in American English. Using it in a casual conversation might seem out of place. However, in British English, it is more widely accepted. Another mistake is forgetting that 'among' requires a plural or collective object. You cannot be 'among' a single thing unless that thing is a collective noun like 'the crowd' or 'the team.'

Incorrect: He was standing among the tree. Correct: He was standing among the trees.

Over-formalization: Using 'amongst' in situations where 'among' is perfectly sufficient can make your writing feel stiff and unnatural, especially in modern business or casual contexts.

Incorrect: There was a disagreement among John and Sarah. Correct: There was a disagreement between John and Sarah.

Incorrect: I found it among the book. Correct: I found it among the books.

Incorrect: The secret stayed among each other. Correct: The secret stayed among them.

Finally, avoid using 'among' when 'amid' or 'amidst' might be more appropriate for abstract or uncountable situations. While 'among' is for countable groups, 'amid' is often used for being in the middle of a situation or an uncountable mass, like 'amid the chaos' or 'amid the noise.' Using 'among' in these cases isn't always wrong, but 'amid' often sounds more natural.

Understanding the synonyms and alternatives for 'among' can help you refine your writing and choose the word that best fits the context. The most direct alternative is 'amid' or 'amidst.' These words are very similar but are often used for being in the middle of something abstract or an uncountable mass. For example, 'amid the confusion' or 'amid the rain.' 'Among' is generally preferred for countable groups of people or things.

Amid / Amidst: Used for being in the middle of a situation or an uncountable mass. 'Amidst' is the more formal or British variant.

He remained calm amid the shouting of the protestors.

Surrounded by: A more descriptive alternative that emphasizes the physical presence of things on all sides. It is more literal than 'among.'

'In the midst of' is another phrase that can replace 'among,' particularly when you want to emphasize being in the very center of a group or an event. It carries a slightly more dramatic or formal tone. 'Between' is the most common word confused with 'among,' but as discussed, it is best reserved for distinct, individual relationships. 'Included in' or 'part of' are useful when you want to focus on the membership aspect rather than the spatial or distributional aspect.

The house was surrounded by a high stone wall.

In the midst of: Emphasizes being in the center of an ongoing action or a large group. Often used for dramatic effect.

We found ourselves in the midst of a heated debate.

She is part of the elite group of athletes invited to the Olympics.

The project was divided between the two departments.

Finally, 'within' can sometimes be used as a substitute, especially when referring to something occurring inside the boundaries of a group. 'There is a lot of talent within this team.' This emphasizes the internal nature of the talent. Choosing between these alternatives depends on whether you want to highlight the physical location, the social membership, or the abstract context of the situation.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"The funds were distributed among the various non-profit organizations."

Neutral

"He was among the first to leave the party."

Informal

"Just keep it among us, okay?"

Child friendly

"The little bunny hid among the tall grass."

Slang

"There's an imposter among us."

Fun Fact

The word 'among' is related to the word 'mingle', which also implies mixing within a group.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /əˈmʌŋ/

US /əˈmʌŋ/

The stress is on the second syllable: a-MONG.

Rhymes With

sung hung rung young tongue lung clung flung

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'g' too harshly.
Stressing the first syllable.
Confusing the vowel sound with 'ong' as in 'song'.
Adding a 't' at the end when not intended (amongst).
Mumbling the schwa at the beginning.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text but requires understanding of group context.

Writing 3/5

Commonly confused with 'between' in writing.

Speaking 2/5

Simple to pronounce and use in basic sentences.

Listening 2/5

Clear sound, though the schwa at the start can be quick.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

with between group in middle

Learn Next

amid amidst throughout within surrounding

Advanced

myriad consensus collective distribution inclusion

Grammar to Know

Among vs. Between

Use 'between' for two, 'among' for three or more.

Collective Nouns

You can use 'among' with collective nouns like 'the team'.

Reflexive Pronouns

Use 'among themselves' rather than 'among each other'.

Superlatives

Commonly used with superlatives: 'among the greatest'.

Prepositional Phrases

'Among the trees' acts as an adverbial or adjectival phrase.

Examples by Level

The cat is among the flowers.

Le chat est parmi les fleurs.

Use 'among' because there are many flowers.

I am among my friends.

Je suis parmi mes amis.

'Friends' is a plural group.

The red apple is among the green ones.

La pomme rouge est parmi les vertes.

Shows one different item in a group.

He lives among the mountains.

Il vit parmi les montagnes.

Describes a physical location.

Find the toy among the boxes.

Trouve le jouet parmi les boîtes.

Used for searching in a group.

The bird is among the leaves.

L'oiseau est parmi les feuilles.

Implies being surrounded.

She is happy among her family.

Elle est heureuse parmi sa famille.

'Family' is a collective noun.

The star is among the clouds.

L'étoile est parmi les nuages.

Spatial relationship in the sky.

Divide the sweets among the children.

Divisez les bonbons entre les enfants.

Used for distribution to a group.

He was among the first to finish.

Il était parmi les premiers à finir.

Identifies a member of a group.

The village is hidden among the trees.

Le village est caché parmi les arbres.

Describes being surrounded.

They talked among themselves.

Ils ont parlé entre eux.

Reflexive use for a group.

Choose a book among these three.

Choisissez un livre parmi ces trois.

Selection from a small group.

There is a thief among us.

Il y a un voleur parmi nous.

Classic usage for inclusion in a group.

She felt like a stranger among them.

Elle se sentait comme une étrangère parmi eux.

Describes a social feeling.

The secret was known among the villagers.

Le secret était connu parmi les villageois.

Shared knowledge in a community.

This trend is popular among teenagers.

Cette tendance est populaire parmi les adolescents.

Describes a social demographic.

Among the options, this is the best.

Parmi les options, c'est la meilleure.

Used for comparison and selection.

He is among the most talented musicians.

Il est parmi les musiciens les plus talentueux.

Placement in a prestigious group.

There was a lot of excitement among the fans.

Il y avait beaucoup d'excitation parmi les fans.

Describes a collective emotion.

The profit was shared among the partners.

Le profit a été partagé entre les partenaires.

Formal distribution in a group.

She found her ring among the old clothes.

Elle a trouvé sa bague parmi les vieux vêtements.

Searching within a collection.

Among other things, we need more time.

Entre autres choses, nous avons besoin de plus de temps.

Idiomatic phrase for adding information.

The disease spread quickly among the cattle.

La maladie s'est propagée rapidement parmi le bétail.

Distribution within a biological group.

The decision caused unrest among the workers.

La décision a provoqué une agitation parmi les travailleurs.

Social impact on a collective.

Among the candidates, she was the most qualified.

Parmi les candidats, elle était la plus qualifiée.

Selection based on criteria.

The custom is still practiced among certain tribes.

La coutume est encore pratiquée parmi certaines tribus.

Cultural practice in a group.

There is little agreement among the experts.

Il y a peu d'accord parmi les experts.

Collective opinion or lack thereof.

He was among the first to recognize the danger.

Il était parmi les premiers à reconnaître le danger.

Historical or situational placement.

The story was passed down among the generations.

L'histoire a été transmise parmi les générations.

Temporal distribution in a group.

Among the ruins, they found an ancient vase.

Parmi les ruines, ils ont trouvé un vase ancien.

Spatial discovery in a complex environment.

Discontent grew among the oppressed population.

Le mécontentement a grandi parmi la population opprimée.

Abstract emotion in a large group.

Among the various theories, this one is the most plausible.

Parmi les diverses théories, celle-ci est la plus plausible.

Academic selection and evaluation.

The wealth is concentrated among a small elite.

La richesse est concentrée parmi une petite élite.

Sociological distribution.

There is a sense of camaraderie among the crew.

Il y a un sentiment de camaraderie parmi l'équipage.

Internal group dynamics.

Among his many achievements, this was his favorite.

Parmi ses nombreuses réalisations, celle-ci était sa préférée.

Rhetorical emphasis on one item.

The virus mutated as it circulated among the population.

Le virus a muté en circulant parmi la population.

Scientific process in a collective.

Among the guests were several famous authors.

Parmi les invités se trouvaient plusieurs auteurs célèbres.

Inversion for formal description.

There is a growing consensus among policy makers.

Il y a un consensus croissant parmi les décideurs politiques.

Professional collective opinion.

The poem explores themes of loss among the elderly.

Le poème explore les thèmes de la perte parmi les personnes âgées.

Literary analysis of a demographic.

Among the myriad challenges, logistics remains the most daunting.

Parmi la myriade de défis, la logistique reste le plus redoutable.

High-level vocabulary and structure.

He was counted among the luminaries of the 20th century.

Il était compté parmi les sommités du XXe siècle.

Elevated register for historical placement.

The discourse among the intellectuals was profoundly stimulating.

Le discours parmi les intellectuels était profondément stimulant.

Abstract social interaction.

Amongst the chaos of the revolution, a new order emerged.

Parmi le chaos de la révolution, un nouvel ordre est apparu.

Use of 'amongst' for formal, historical tone.

The sentiment of betrayal was palpable among the conspirators.

Le sentiment de trahison était palpable parmi les conspirateurs.

Intricate psychological description.

Among the primary objectives of the mission was the collection of soil samples.

Parmi les objectifs primaires de la mission figurait la collecte d'échantillons de sol.

Formal mission statement structure.

There is a distinct lack of cohesion among the various factions.

Il y a un manque distinct de cohésion parmi les diverses factions.

Political analysis of group dynamics.

He moved among the shadows, unseen and unheard.

Il se déplaçait parmi les ombres, invisible et inaudible.

Literary and evocative usage.

Common Collocations

among the first

among the best

among the people

among the ruins

among the trees

among themselves

among the crowd

among other things

among the options

among the stars

Common Phrases

among other things

— Used to introduce one or more examples from a larger list.

Among other things, he is a great cook.

among the elite

— Part of a small, high-ranking group.

She is among the elite athletes.

among the living

— Still alive; part of the world of the living.

It's good to be back among the living.

among the ruins

— Located within the remains of something destroyed.

Flowers grew among the ruins.

among the many

— One of a large number of things.

Among the many reasons, this is the main one.

among the first

— One of the earliest people to do something.

He was among the first to sign up.

among the top

— In the highest ranking group.

The school is among the top in the country.

among friends

— In a safe, comfortable social environment.

You are among friends here.

among the crowd

— Lost or hidden within a large group of people.

She disappeared among the crowd.

among the dead

— Part of those who have passed away.

He was counted among the dead after the battle.

Often Confused With

among vs between

Use 'between' for two distinct items and 'among' for a group of three or more.

among vs amid

Use 'amid' for uncountable things or situations, and 'among' for countable items.

among vs along

Use 'along' for movement next to something long, like a road, not for being in a group.

Idioms & Expressions

"a cat among the pigeons"

— Something that causes trouble or controversy in a group.

His comment was like a cat among the pigeons.

informal

"honor among thieves"

— The idea that even criminals have a code of conduct among themselves.

There is no honor among thieves.

neutral

"first among equals"

— A person who is officially equal to others but has more power or status.

The Prime Minister is first among equals.

formal

"among the clouds"

— To be distracted or daydreaming.

His head is always among the clouds.

informal

"among the stars"

— To be very famous or successful.

She is now among the stars of Hollywood.

neutral

"among the greats"

— To be considered one of the most important people in a field.

He ranks among the greats of jazz.

neutral

"among the living"

— To be alive after a dangerous event.

We were lucky to be among the living.

neutral

"among the few"

— Part of a small, exclusive group.

He is among the few who know the truth.

neutral

"among the many"

— Just one of a large, unremarkable group.

He was just another face among the many.

neutral

"among the rest"

— Part of the remaining group.

Put this book among the rest.

neutral

Easily Confused

among vs between

Both are prepositions of place and relationship.

'Between' links specific, individual items (usually two). 'Among' links items to a collective group (three or more).

Between you and me; among the crowd.

among vs amid

Both mean 'in the middle of'.

'Amid' is for uncountable nouns or abstract situations. 'Among' is for countable plural nouns.

Amid the noise; among the people.

among vs through

Both can imply being in the middle of something.

'Through' implies movement from one side to the other. 'Among' implies a static position or inclusion.

Walk through the trees; stand among the trees.

among vs within

Both imply being inside something.

'Within' emphasizes the boundaries of a single container or group. 'Among' emphasizes being surrounded by members of a group.

Within the house; among the guests.

among vs amongst

They are the same word.

'Amongst' is more formal and more common in British English. 'Among' is the standard modern form.

Amongst the ruins; among the ruins.

Sentence Patterns

Subject + is + among + the + plural noun.

The dog is among the sheep.

Verb + something + among + the + group.

Share the cake among the guests.

Adjective + among + demographic.

Smoking is common among men.

Subject + is + among + the + superlative.

She is among the smartest students.

Among + the + plural noun, + subject + verb.

Among the many books, I found this one.

There is + noun + among + professional group.

There is disagreement among the lawyers.

Subject + verb + among + abstract noun.

The idea spread among the masses.

Among + the + myriad + nouns + lies + subject.

Among the myriad stars lies a tiny planet.

Word Family

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both written and spoken English.

Common Mistakes

Between the three of us. → Among the three of us.
Since there are three people, 'among' is the correct preposition.
He was standing among the tree. → He was standing among the trees.
'Among' must be followed by a plural noun unless it's a collective noun.
They talked among each other. → They talked among themselves.
'Among each other' is redundant; 'themselves' is the correct reflexive pronoun for a group.
I found it among the water. → I found it in the water.
'Among' is for a group of items, not a continuous substance like water.
Among the two options... → Between the two options...
When there are only two specific options, 'between' is required.

Tips

Count the items

If there are 2, use 'between'. If there are 3+, use 'among'. This is the simplest rule to follow.

Avoid 'amongst' in emails

In professional emails, 'amongst' can sound too formal. Stick to 'among' for a modern, natural tone.

Use with superlatives

Combine 'among' with words like 'best', 'greatest', or 'first' to sound more advanced in your descriptions.

The 'Among Us' trick

Think of the game 'Among Us'. It’s about one person in a group. This helps you remember it’s for groups!

Start for emphasis

Try starting a paragraph with 'Among the...' to set the scene and highlight your main subject immediately.

Listen for the 'ng'

The 'ng' sound at the end is distinct. Practice saying 'sung' and 'among' to get the ending right.

Look for plural nouns

When you see 'among', look for the plural noun that follows it to understand the context of the group.

Don't use with 'each other'

Instead of 'They shared it among each other', say 'They shared it among themselves'.

Abstract usage

Use 'among' to discuss ideas within a community, like 'There is a belief among scientists...'

British vs American

Remember that 'amongst' is perfectly fine in the UK, but 'among' is the global standard.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'A-M-O-N-G' as 'A Many Other Nice Group'. It reminds you it's for a group!

Visual Association

Imagine a single red dot in the middle of many blue dots. The red dot is 'among' the blue ones.

Word Web

Group Crowd Share Divide Surround Include Collective Middle

Challenge

Write three sentences using 'among' to describe your favorite things in a group.

Word Origin

Derived from the Old English word 'onmang', which means 'in a crowd' or 'in the company of'.

Original meaning: In a mixture or assembly of people.

Germanic

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'among' to generalize about groups of people to avoid stereotyping.

Commonly used in news to discuss demographics and social trends.

The game 'Among Us' The phrase 'Honor among thieves' The poem 'Among School Children' by W.B. Yeats

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Social Groups

among friends
among peers
among colleagues
among the crowd

Sharing/Distribution

divide among
share among
distribute among
split among

Statistics/Trends

popular among
common among
rising among
prevalent among

Nature/Location

among the trees
among the hills
among the stars
among the ruins

Identification

among the best
among the first
among the few
among the many

Conversation Starters

"Who among your friends is the funniest?"

"What is the most popular hobby among people your age?"

"Have you ever felt like a stranger among a group of people?"

"Which among these options would you choose for dinner?"

"Is there a lot of competition among your colleagues?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time you felt perfectly at home among a group of people.

Write about a hidden treasure you found among some old belongings.

Discuss a popular trend among teenagers today and your thoughts on it.

Imagine you are standing among the ruins of an ancient city. What do you see?

Who do you count among your most influential mentors and why?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should use 'between' for two people. 'Among' is reserved for three or more. For example, 'Divide it between the two of us' but 'Divide it among the three of us'.

Neither is more 'correct,' but 'among' is much more common in modern English, especially in the US. 'Amongst' can sound a bit old-fashioned or very formal.

'Among' is used with countable plural nouns like 'friends' or 'trees.' 'Amid' is used with uncountable nouns or abstract situations like 'chaos' or 'confusion'.

It is better to say 'among themselves' or 'with each other.' 'Among each other' is considered redundant or awkward by most grammarians.

You can use it to highlight one item from a group. For example: 'Among all the flavors, chocolate is my favorite.' This is a very effective way to emphasize a point.

Yes, 'among' is a preposition. It shows the relationship between a noun (the object of the preposition) and another part of the sentence.

Yes, it can. You can say 'among the reasons' or 'among the possibilities.' It doesn't have to be physical objects.

Yes, it is very common in American English. In fact, Americans almost always use 'among' instead of 'amongst'.

Common synonyms include 'amid,' 'surrounded by,' and 'in the midst of,' depending on the context.

Only if the noun is a collective noun that represents a group, like 'the crowd,' 'the team,' or 'the family.' Otherwise, it must be plural.