When deciding between among vs amongst, it’s important to understand the subtle distinctions in their usage. While both words are prepositions referring to something within a group, among is the more common choice, especially in American English.
Amongst, on the other hand, is considered more formal and is often found in British English or in more literary or historical contexts. This article will explore the differences between among and amongst, helping you choose the right word 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 tone to your writing.
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 vs Amongst
When deciding between among vs amongst, it’s essential to understand when each term is most appropriate. Among is the more common word, especially in American English. It is typically used in everyday language, both in formal and informal contexts. You would use among when referring to a group of people, objects, or ideas. For example:
- You might say, “She was popular among her peers” or “The books were scattered among the papers.”
It’s straightforward and versatile, making it the go-to choice in most situations.
On the other hand, amongst is considered more formal and old-fashioned. It is often used in British English or in specific formal or literary contexts. If you are writing a historical document or a piece with a more classical tone, amongst may be a better choice. For example:
- “The knight walked amongst the trees” sounds more poetic and timeless than “The knight walked among the trees.”
Also, amongst may be preferred when emphasizing the feeling of being surrounded by something, such as “The old building stood amongst the ruins.”
Understanding when to use among vs amongst depends largely on the tone you want to convey and the region you’re writing for. In general, use among for most cases, and reserve amongst for formal or literary uses.
Literary and Poetic Use of Amongst
When it comes to literary and poetic writing, amongst has a special place. It’s a word that carries a certain elegance and can evoke a more formal, poetic tone. While among is more casual and versatile, amongst is often chosen in literature, poetry, and speeches for its old-fashioned charm and rhythm. For example:
- In Shakespeare’s The Tempest, you might read lines like, “The island lay amongst the waves,” where the word amongst enhances the lyrical, timeless quality of the language.
Poets often gravitate towards amongst because of its flow and the subtle depth it adds to their writing. Consider the sentence:
- “The flowers bloomed amongst the silence of the night.”
Here, amongst gives the scene a more vivid, almost magical feel, which might not be achieved with the simpler among.
In speeches, amongst can also be used to emphasize formality. For instance, a politician might say:
- “We stand amongst those who have fought for our freedom.”
This is lending the statement a gravitas and historical weight that among might lack.
In short, amongst helps to convey a sense of reverence, tradition, and poetic beauty. If you’re looking to add that literary flair to your writing, amongst might be the right choice for you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Among vs Amongst
When writing with among vs amongst, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can confuse your readers or make your writing sound awkward.
- Avoid is using amongst in casual or informal writing. While amongst might seem sophisticated, it is considered more formal and can sound out of place in a conversational tone. If you’re writing an email to a friend or a blog post, among is usually the better choice.
- Using amongst simply to sound more formal. Remember, the goal is to choose the word that best fits your context and the tone you want to set. If among works just as well and sounds natural, there’s no need to force amongst into the sentence. For instance, saying “The team was among the best” sounds more fitting than “The team was amongst the best” in most everyday contexts.
Always ensure that among or amongst is the right word for the sentence’s meaning. Both words refer to being in the midst of a group, but amongst can evoke a more literary or elevated tone, which may not be appropriate in all contexts. If unsure, consult a style guide to ensure you are using the right word for the right situation.
How to Decide Which One to Use in Your Writing
Choosing between among vs amongst doesn’t have to be complicated once you understand a few basic guidelines. You should:
- Ask yourself what tone you want to convey. If you’re aiming for a casual or modern feel, among is usually the best option. It’s appropriate for everyday conversation, emails, blog posts, and most professional settings. On the other hand, if you’re writing a formal, historical, or literary piece, amongst may be the better choice. It adds an elevated tone that works well in more serious or reflective contexts.
- Consider your audience. If you’re writing for a primarily American audience, among will feel natural and familiar. In contrast, if you’re addressing a British or Commonwealth audience, amongst might be more common and expected, particularly in formal writing.
To help you decide, you can think about the setting of your piece. For example, when writing about modern, everyday topics—such as social interactions, current events, or casual descriptions—among will often be the appropriate choice. But if you’re focusing on a topic that requires a more serious or historical tone, like an academic paper or classic literature, amongst can lend a touch of gravitas.
Ultimately, choosing the right word depends on context, tone, and audience, so always consider these factors carefully.
The Impact of Region on the Usage of Among vs Amongst
The choice between among vs amongst can vary depending on the region where you’re writing. In American English, among is overwhelmingly preferred, both in formal and informal contexts. It’s the standard in most writing, from casual blog posts to professional reports. However, in British English, amongst still holds sway, especially in more formal or literary contexts.
- For example, you might encounter amongst in British legal documents, historical texts, or works of fiction, where it adds an old-fashioned or elevated tone.
The use of amongst in British dialects may also be influenced by tradition and regional preferences. In some areas, the more formal tone of amongst is used even in everyday conversations, which makes it feel more natural in British contexts. Conversely, in American English, among is the default because it sounds more modern and fitting for a variety of settings.
If you’re writing for an international audience, it’s important to consider these regional differences. For instance, a British audience might appreciate amongst in a formal context, while an American audience would likely find it overly stiff. As you decide which word to use, understanding these regional preferences can help ensure your writing resonates with your readers, while also sounding natural and appropriate.
Conclusion
Choosing between among vs amongst depends on the tone and context of your writing. In most cases, among is the better choice, as it is widely used in both formal and informal contexts. However, if you’re writing in a more formal or literary setting, or if you wish to evoke a specific tone, amongst may be more suitable.
Always consider your audience, the purpose of your writing, and the overall style when deciding which word to use. Consult a style guide if you’re uncertain, and use these insights to make an informed decision.
FAQs
Is “amongst” more formal than “among”?
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.
Are “among” and “amongst” interchangeable?
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.
Is there a difference in meaning between “among” and “amongst”?
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.
Which word is more commonly used – “among” or “amongst”?
“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.
