Among and amongst are two words that can often cause confusion among English speakers. People often wonder which one is correct to use in certain situations. Both words mean the same thing, but one is used more commonly in American English while the other is more frequently used in British and Australian English. So which one is correct among or amongst?
The answer is both! While there may be slight differences in usage and popularity based on dialect, both among and amongst are accepted and correct spellings of the word in English. It really comes down to personal preference and the style guide that one is following. Understanding the difference between the two and knowing when to use each one can make all the difference in effective communication and writing.
Whether you are a native English speaker or someone learning the language for the first time, understanding the nuances of word usage is key to improving your language skills. Knowing which is correct among or amongst is just one example of how small differences can have a big impact on understanding and clarity. So next time you find yourself struggling with which one to use, rest easy knowing that both are correct options and choose the one that feels the most natural for you.
Which is Correct: Among or Amongst?
Both “among” and “amongst” are prepositions that refer to being surrounded by or in the middle of something.
Subsection 1: Origins of “Among” and “Amongst”
The word “among” was first used in the 12th century and was derived from the Old English word “gemong”, which means “in a crowd” or “together with”. On the other hand, “amongst” was introduced in the 16th century and is considered an archaic form of “among”.
Despite its age, “amongst” is still used today, especially in British English. In fact, some people consider it to be a more elegant or formal word than “among”.
Subsection 2: Usage of “Among” and “Amongst”
- “Among” is the more common form of the two and is widely used in both American and British English. It is the preferred choice in most cases, except for some phrases where “amongst” is the traditional form, such as “a little bit of sugar makes the medicine go down amongst the bitter herbs”
- “Amongst” is often used in literary or poetic contexts, where it is used to create a more formal or fancy tone. It is also commonly used in legal writing and some specific fields such as archaeology and history.
Subsection 3: Examples of “Among” and “Amongst”
In the following examples, you can see how “among” and “amongst” can be used in different contexts:
“The lost city was discovered among the dense jungle.”
“The jewels sparkled amongst the piles of clothes in the wardrobe.”
| Among | Amongst |
| “Tom and Jerry are playing among the toys.” | “The choir sang amongst the beautifully decorated Christmas trees.” |
| “I found the answer among my notes.” | “The golden statue stood amongst the ruins of the old palace.” |
As you can see, both “among” and “amongst” can be used interchangeably in many contexts. However, it is up to the writer to determine which one to use based on their preference or the tone they want to convey.
Differences Between Among and Amongst
When it comes to the words “among” and “amongst,” many people use them interchangeably without realizing that there are subtle differences between them. Here’s a breakdown of each word and when it’s appropriate to use it.
Among vs. Amongst: Which One is Correct?
- “Among” is the more commonly used word in American English, while “amongst” is more commonly used in British English.
- “Amongst” can sound more formal or archaic than “among.”
- “Among” is preferred when referring to a group or category of things or people, while “amongst” is more suitable when referring to a physical location.
Examples of Proper Usage
Here are some examples of sentences using “among” and “amongst” in the correct way:
- “The book was hidden among the stack of papers on the desk.”
- “She stood out as the best candidate among the group of applicants.”
- “The painting was hung amongst the other art pieces in the gallery.”
The Gray Area
Of course, there are always exceptions to these rules. Sometimes, “among” can be used to refer to a physical location, especially when the location is not clearly defined. Conversely, “amongst” can be used when referring to a group or category of things or people in certain contexts, such as in literature or poetry where the word may be chosen for its aesthetic value.
| “Among” | “Amongst” |
|---|---|
| She was among the first to arrive at the party. | The flowers looked beautiful amongst the green foliage. |
| The book was hidden among the other books on the shelf. | The queen sat amongst her advisors during the meeting. |
| They distributed the food among the refugees. | The antique was nestled amongst the modern decor. |
Ultimately, whether to use “among” or “amongst” is a matter of personal preference and context. As long as the meaning is clear, either word can be used effectively.
Origins of the Words Among and Amongst
Among and amongst are both prepositions that have been used interchangeably in different regions of the English-speaking world for centuries. While both words have similar meanings, there are slight nuances that distinguish them from each other.
- Among is the original form of the word and has been in use since Old English. It is derived from the Old English word “gemang,” which means “mingling” or “mixed together.”
- Amongst is a later variation of among that emerged in Middle English. It is derived from the adding the -t suffix to among, which was a common way of forming adverbs and prepositions in Middle English.
- Both among and amongst have been used by notable writers throughout history. Shakespeare, for example, used both words in his plays, although he tended to use amongst more frequently than among.
Despite the fact that amongst originally emerged as a variation of among, it is worth noting that it is not considered to be incorrect. In fact, some speakers and writers consider amongst to be more formal and archaic than among, and may use it to achieve a particular effect in their writing.
Ultimately, the use of among versus amongst depends largely on personal preference and stylistic choices. Some writers may choose one over the other based on the sound and rhythm of their sentences, while others may vary their use of these words based on their audience or the specific message they are trying to convey.
Here is a table summarizing the key differences and similarities between among and amongst:
| Among | Amongst |
|---|---|
| The original form of the word | A variation of among that emerged in Middle English |
| More widely used in American English | More commonly used in British English and other Commonwealth countries |
| Considered less formal than amongst | Considered more formal and archaic than among |
Ultimately, whether you choose to use among or amongst will depend on your personal writing style and preferences, as well as your target audience and the message you are trying to convey. Both words are considered acceptable, so the choice is up to you.
How to Use Among and Amongst in Sentences
Among and amongst are often used interchangeably, but is one correct and the other not? Let’s take a closer look at the usage of these words.
- Among: This is the more commonly used word and is considered the standard version. It is used to refer to something that is in the midst of several things or people. Example: The new employee felt among friends during the company party.
- Amongst: This is an older version of among and is considered to be more formal or British. It basically has the same meaning as “among.” Example: The book was hidden amongst the other books on the shelf.
While amongst may sound more sophisticated, it is not necessarily more correct in every situation. In fact, using amongst instead of among may come off as pretentious or outdated in some contexts. It’s always best to use the most appropriate word for your audience and tone.
Here are a few tips to help you decide when to use among or amongst:
- Consider the context and audience. Among is more commonly used in modern and informal language.
- When writing in a more formal or professional tone, using amongst may be more appropriate.
- Consider the rhythm and flow of your sentence. Sometimes, one of the words might sound more natural and fitting in your specific context.
It’s also important to remember that using the word “amongst” is not incorrect and is still widely used in some contexts. As long as your sentence is grammatically correct and makes sense, it’s really up to you which word to use.
| Examples of Using Among and Amongst |
|---|
| Among the many diets I tried, the Mediterranean diet worked best for me. |
| His message resonated among a wide range of people, from young adults to senior citizens. |
| She was the fastest among the group of runners who started at the same time. |
| Amongst the books on the shelf, I found the one I was looking for. |
| He was a well-known figure amongst the elite in the art world. |
| She found herself amongst strangers in a foreign country. |
Ultimately, the choice between among and amongst comes down to your understanding of the context, audience, and tone you are conveying in your sentence. Choosing the right word can make a significant difference in your message, so choose wisely.
Regional Variations in Use of Among and Amongst
When it comes to the usage of among and amongst, there are varying regional differences. While both words have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably, some English-speaking countries prefer one over the other.
- The United States: Among is more commonly used in the US. While amongst is acceptable, it is considered archaic by many Americans.
- The United Kingdom: In the UK, both among and amongst are used, but amongst is more frequently used in formal writing and speech.
- Australia: Australians use both among and amongst interchangeably, but amongst is preferred in more formal settings.
It is important to note that these are general tendencies and there can be exceptions in different regions.
Here is a table breakdown of the usage of among and amongst in different English-speaking countries:
| Country | Preference |
|---|---|
| United States | Among |
| United Kingdom | Amongst (formal); among (informal) |
| Australia | Amongst (formal); among (informal) |
Regardless of the regional variations, it is important to maintain consistency in usage within a piece of writing.
Common Mistakes with Among and Amongst
Using the correct form of words can make all the difference between sounding like a professional and sounding like an amateur. Words such as “among” and “amongst” are often used interchangeably, but the truth is that they have distinct uses. Understanding the difference between these two words can be challenging, but with practice, it can be accomplished. In this article, we will be discussing the common mistakes people make with among and amongst.
- Using “amongst” when “among” is the correct choice: Although “amongst” is considered a correct spelling, it is not widely used in American English. In fact, it is more prevalent in British English. Therefore, for people who speak American English, using “among” is a safer bet than “amongst.”
- Using “amongst” to sound more formal: Some people believe that using “amongst” makes them sound more sophisticated or formal. However, using it in this way can have the opposite effect. Instead of sounding intelligent, it may make the speaker sound pretentious or pompous.
- Using “among” when referring to three or more items: When referring to three or more items, the word “among” is the correct choice. For example, “The cake was shared among the three children.”
- Using “amongst” when referring to a specific group: When referring to a specific group, such as “amongst the employees,” the word “amongst” is more appropriate than “among.”
- Using “amongst” when referring to a physical location: In most situations, “among” is the correct choice when referring to a physical location. For instance, “The flowers were scattered among the grass” is the appropriate usage, not “The flowers were scattered amongst the grass.”
- Using “among” before a vowel sound: When using “among” before a word beginning with a vowel sound, it is grammatically correct to use “amongst” instead. For example, “The conversation was happening among these important issues” should be “The conversation was happening amongst these important issues.”
Conclusion
Using the correct form of words is essential for conveying the intended message accurately. While “amongst” and “among” are often used interchangeably, understanding their distinct uses can make all the difference in effective communication. Knowing the common mistakes made with these words can help individuals communicate correctly and professionally.
| Among | Amongst |
|---|---|
| Used more often in American English | Used more often in British English |
| The correct choice when referring to three or more items | The correct choice when referring to a specific group |
| The correct choice when referring to a physical location | The correct choice when used before a word beginning with a vowel sound |
Synonyms for Among and Amongst
When referring to the terms “among” and “amongst,” the question of which one is correct may arise. Both of these terms can be used interchangeably to mean “in the midst of” or “surrounded by,” but one may be more commonly used in certain regions or contexts.
In terms of synonyms, there are several words that can be used in place of “among” and “amongst” to convey a similar meaning:
- Amid
- Amidst
- Midst
- In the middle of
- Surrounded by
- In the company of
While all of these synonyms may be used to convey a sense of being amongst a group or in the midst of something, they may have slightly different connotations or implications. For example, “surrounded by” may imply a sense of being encircled or protected, while “in the company of” may imply a more social or collaborative context.
It’s important to note that while “among” and “amongst” are often used interchangeably, some people consider “amongst” to be more formal or archaic. In general, “among” may be more commonly used in American English, while “amongst” may be more commonly used in British English.
It’s also worth noting that some words may be more commonly used with one of these terms than the other. For example, “amongst” may be more commonly used with older or more formal words, while “among” may be more commonly used with everyday words.
| Among | Amongst |
|---|---|
| Among friends | Amongst aristocrats |
| Among enemies | Amongst colleagues |
| Among the trees | Amongst the stars |
Ultimately, whether you choose to use “among” or “amongst” may come down to personal preference or the context in which you are writing or speaking. Both terms are correct, and it’s important to choose the one that feels most natural or appropriate for the situation.
FAQs about Among vs. Amongst
1. What is the difference between among and amongst?
2. Which one is more commonly used, among or amongst?
3. Is there any grammatical error in using amongst instead of among?
4. Can we use both among and amongst, and are they interchangeable?
5. When should we use amongst instead of among?
6. Are there any situations where among is preferred over amongst?
7. Is there any regional or cultural variation in using among and amongst?
Answers:
1. Among and amongst are synonyms, meaning the same thing – in the midst or surrounded by. Among is used more in American English while amongst is more commonly used in British English.
2. Among is more commonly used in American English while amongst is commonly used in British English.
3. Using amongst instead of among is not a grammatical error, but it may be considered old-fashioned or formal.
4. Both among and amongst can be used and they are interchangeable, but among is more common.
5. Amongst is often used to convey a sense of closeness and familiarity among a group of people or objects. For example, “He knew every single person amongst the crowd.”
6. Among is preferred in formal writing and among certain groups of people, while amongst is considered more informal.
7. Yes, there is regional and cultural variation in using among and amongst. Certain English-speaking countries and regions tend to use one over the other.
Wrap Up
Thank you for reading about the difference between among and amongst. We hope this article has provided you with all the information you were looking for. Remember, while there may be regional and cultural variations in usage, both among and amongst convey the same meaning and they are interchangeable. Check back later for more helpful tips on grammar and usage.