When writing, you may come across phrases that are easily confused. These words are also known as commonly confused words. One such pair is “among” and “amongst.” Although they seem like they can be used interchangeably, it’s essential to understand the difference between these two words, as they have slightly different functions. It is essential to communicate ideas clearly and precisely in academic writing to avoid compromising the quality of the content.
Definition of “among vs. amongst”
“Among” and “amongst” are prepositions that are used interchangeably to indicate being in or surrounded by a group of things or people. Both words convey the same meaning and are often considered synonymous. However, “among” is more commonly used in everyday speech, and “amongst” is a more formal and less common alternative. The choice between them is largely a matter of personal preference or regional variation, as they can be used interchangeably in most contexts without a significant difference in meaning.
Among
… is a preposition that means “in the middle of something” and is used primarily in everyday speech.
Amongst
… is a preposition that means “in the middle of something” and is primarily used in formal speech.
The key to differentiating between “among” and “amongst” lies in personal preference. It’s essential to note that they are generally interchangeable, and the choice between them is often a matter of individual style. In practical terms, there is no significant difference in meaning or grammatical function between the two, so writers can choose the one that feels more natural to them. However, do pay attention when conversing in more formal environments and use “amongst” to be on the safe side.
Using the word “among”
When incorporating the word “among” into your language, it is crucial to understand its versatile usage and proper application in various contexts. Let’s delve into the nuances and applications of this versatile preposition to ensure clear and effective communication.
“Among” as a preposition
As a preposition, “among” serves a fundamental role in expressing relationships within a group or amid various elements. By delving into specific examples and contexts, we can unravel the nuances of using “among” effectively to convey precise meanings in both written and spoken language.
Examples
- The red rose stood out among the white ones.
- He found his keys hidden among the clutter on the table.
- Our team excelled, ranking first among all participating schools.
Tip for using “among” correctly
To improve the quality of your writing, you can use different words that mean the same as “among”. This can help you avoid repetition and redundancy, as well as make your language more interesting. When you express similar ideas in different ways, it adds depth to your communication and makes it more diverse.
| Synonyms | Examples |
| Amidst | The village nestled among the mountains was a serene retreat. |
| The village nestled amidst the mountains was a serene retreat. | |
| In the middle of | She discovered a mysterious old book among the dusty library shelves. |
| She discovered a mysterious old book in the middle of the dusty library shelves. |
|
| In the midst of | Among the bustling city, there was an oasis of calm. |
| In the midst of the bustling city, there was an oasis of calm. |
Using the word “amongst”
When incorporating the word “amongst” into your language, it is essential to recognize its usage and consider its stylistic implications. By understanding the nuances associated with “amongst,” you can refine your linguistic choices and tailor your expressions to align with specific language conventions or personal preferences.
“Amongst” as a preposition
Within the realm of prepositions, “amongst” emerges as a variant of “among,” carrying similar functionality but often distinguished by stylistic preferences. In the following examples, we illustrate how “amongst” is used less commonly than “among” as well as the more formal context in which the preposition is used.
Examples
- Amongst the myriad options, the committee discerned a singular solution.
- The wisdom shared amongst the venerable scholars resonated profoundly.
- A sense of camaraderie flourished amongst the participants at the exclusive gathering.
Tip for using “amongst” correctly
Utilizing synonyms for “amongst” can enhance language flexibility and richness. It allows for varied expression, accommodating different tones and styles within diverse contexts. Additionally, employing synonyms contributes to more sophisticated and nuanced communication, enabling speakers and writers to convey subtle distinctions in meaning. Overall, incorporating synonyms for “amongst” broadens the expressive potential of language, catering to the dynamic and varied nature of communication.
Note: Since you can use “among” and “amongst” synonymously, we therefore refrain from providing a table here.
FAQs
The preference between “among” and “amongst” often depends on regional and stylistic variations. “Among” is used in a rather casual context, while “amongst” is only ever used in formal speech. Generally, they are interchangeable, and the choice depends on personal preferences.
“Among” and “amongst” are used in a sentence as prepositions to indicate being in or surrounded by a group or entities.
Examples
- The teacher distributed the books among/amongst the students.
- She found herself lost among/amongst the bustling crowd.
Yes, “amongst” is used in British English. While both “among” and “amongst” are employed, “amongst” is slightly more prevalent in British English. However, the two words are generally interchangeable, and the choice between them often depends on personal or regional preferences.
There isn’t a specific grammatical rule for using “amongst.” “Amongst” is considered a variant of “among,” and both are prepositions used to express relationships within a group. The choice between them is often a matter of style or regional preference. In practical terms, they can be used interchangeably in most contexts without a significant difference in meaning or grammatical function.
