Among VS. Amongst: Which One Should You Use?

When it comes to writing, choosing the right word can make all the difference in your message’s clarity and effectiveness. One pair of words that often causes confusion is “among” and “amongst.” While they may seem interchangeable, there are some differences in their usage that can impact the meaning of your sentence. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between “among” and “amongst” and help you choose the right one for your writing.

What is the Difference Between Among and Amongst?

At their core, “among” and “amongst” are both prepositions that indicate a relationship between things that are in the same group or category. However, “among” is the more common and widely used of the two, particularly in American English. “Amongst” is more commonly used in British English, although it is still used in some cases in American English as well.

One key difference between the two words is that “amongst” is considered slightly more formal and old-fashioned than “among.” As a result, it may be more appropriate in certain contexts, such as legal or historical writing, where a more formal tone is expected.

Another difference between the two words is that “amongst” is often used to convey a sense of being surrounded by something. For example, you might say “she walked amongst the flowers,” rather than “she walked among the flowers.” This usage of “amongst” is less common, but it can add a poetic or literary

Examples of Among vs. Amongst

To get a better sense of how “among” and “amongst” are used, let’s look at some examples:

• “The book was hidden among the papers on the desk.” This sentence uses “among” to indicate that the book was located in the same group or category as the papers on the desk.
• “The knight rode amongst the trees, searching for the dragon.” This sentence uses “amongst” to indicate that the knight was surrounded by the trees as he searched for the dragon.

In both of these examples, the meaning of the sentence would be clear regardless of whether “among” or “amongst” was used. However, the choice of word can impact the tone and style of your writing.

When to Use Among

As mentioned, “among” is the more common and widely used of the two words. It is appropriate in most contexts, including both formal and informal writing. Here are some examples of when to use “among”:

• When talking about a group of people or things: “He was popular among his coworkers.”
• When talking about a location or physical space: “The When to Use Amongst

  While “amongst” is less commonly used than “among,” there are still situations where it may be the better choice. Here are some examples of when to use “amongst”:

  • In formal or historical writing: “The document was discovered amongst the archives.”
  • When indicating a sense of being surrounded: “The statue stood amongst the ruins of the ancient city.”
  • When you want to add a poetic or literary tone to your writing: “The star shone amongst the darkness of the night sky.”

  

  Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Among vs. Amongst

  While “among” and “amongst” may seem straightforward, there are some common mistakes that writers make when using these prepositions. Here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you are using them correctly:

  • Don’t use “amongst” if you are aiming for a casual or informal tone. As mentioned, “amongst” is considered more formal and old-fashioned than “among,” so if you are trying to create a casual or informal tone, “among” is likely the better choice.
  • Don’t use “amongst” if you are unsure whether it is correct. While “amongst” may sound more sophisticated or elegant, using it incorrectly can actually make you seem less knowledgeable or competent. If you are unsure whether “amongst” is the correct word to use, it is always better to err on the side of caution and use “among” instead.
  • Don’t use “amongst” solely to sound more formal. While “amongst” may be appropriate in formal contexts, using it simply to sound more formal can come across as forced or pretentious. Instead, focus on choosing the word that best conveys your meaning and tone, regardless of whether it is “among” or “amongst.”

  Other Considerations

  In addition to the differences between “among” and “amongst” outlined above, there are a few other things to keep in mind when deciding which one to use:

  • Both words can be used interchangeably in some contexts, particularly in casual conversation or informal writing.
  • In some cases, regional differences may impact which word is more commonly used. For example, “amongst” is more commonly used in British English than American English, so if you are writing for a British audience, it may be more appropriate to use “amongst.
  • If you are unsure which word to use, it is always a good Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: Is “amongst” more formal than “among”?

    A: Yes, “amongst” is considered slightly more formal and old-fashioned than “among.” As a result, it may be more appropriate in certain contexts, such as legal or historical writing, where a more formal tone is expected.

    Q: Are “among” and “amongst” interchangeable?

    A: In some contexts, “among” and “amongst” can be used interchangeably, particularly in casual conversation or informal writing. However, there are some situations where one word may be more appropriate than the other.

    Q: Is there a difference in meaning between “among” and “amongst”?

    A: Generally, the meaning of “among” and “amongst” is the same – they both indicate a relationship between things that are in the same group or category. However, “amongst” is often used to convey a sense of being surrounded by something, which can add a poetic or literary tone to your writing.

    Q: Which word is more commonly used – “among” or “amongst”?

    A: “Among” is the more commonly used of the two words, particularly in American English. However, “amongst” is still used in some contexts, particularly in British English.

    Conclusion

    Choosing the right word is an important part of effective writing, and “among” and “amongst” are no exception. While they may seem interchangeable at first glance, there are some differences in their usage that can impact the tone and style of your writing. In general, “among” is the more commonly used of the two words and is appropriate in most contexts. However, if you are writing in a formal or historical context or want to add a poetic or literary tone to your writing, “amongst” may be the better choice. As always, it is important to consult a style guide or dictionary if you are unsure which word to use.