There is a distinction between “among” and “amongst” that is often overlooked. The two words have different meanings, so it’s important to use the correct one in order to ensure clarity. “Among” means “in the company of,” while “amongst” means “amidst.” So, if you are talking about being in the company of other people, you would use “among.” However, if you are discussing something happening in the middle of something else, you would use “amongst.”
What is Among?
“Among” is a grammar term used to describe the relationship between three or more people or things. For example, you might say “I was the only one among my friends who liked that movie.” In this sentence, “among” is used to describe the relationship between you and your friends. The movie is the common element, and your liking of it sets you apart from the rest of the group. Other common uses of “among” include phrases like “among other things” and “among other things.” When used in these phrases, “among” simply means “included in.” For instance, if you were to say “I need to buy milk, eggs, and bread among other things,” you would be indicating that there are other items on your list, but you’re not naming them all. In general, “among” is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of different contexts.
What is Amongst?
- Amongst is a word that is often used in place of “between” or “among.” While it is technically correct to use amongst in all cases, it is generally considered more formal than either between or among. As a result, it is often used in academic or professional writing.
- Between should be used when there are only two objects involved. For example, “The contract was signed between the company and the client.” Among should be used when there are three or more objects involved. For example, “Amongst the employees, there was a lot of confusion about the new policy.”
- Amongst can be used in both situations, but as mentioned before, it has a more formal tone. Therefore, it is important to choose the word that is most appropriate for the context in which you are writing.
Difference between Among and Amongst
Though the words “among” and “amongst” are often used interchangeably, they actually have different implications. “Among” is used when referring to a quantity that is unknown or when there is no specific number of items involved. For example, you might say “there are many books among her collection.” In contrast, “amongst” implies that there is a specific number of items involved. So, you might say “she was looking for the book amongst her collection of 300.” In addition, “amongst” carries a slightly more formal tone than “among.” As a result, it is often used in written communication, such as in business reports or academic papers. Though both words can be used in many situations, it is important to choose the one that conveys the meaning you intend.
Conclusion
In summary, there is a difference between among and amongst. Among is used when discussing things that are equal or separate, while amongst refers to something being in the middle of two other things. When it comes to grammar, it can be easy to get these two words confused because they sound so similar. However, by understanding the definition and use case for each word, you can avoid any potential confusion in your writing.
