Between vs. Among
- The letter B comes between A and C.
- The Mediterranean Sea is between Europe and Africa.
- He shared his money between his wife, his daughter and his son.
We use between, not among, after difference.
- What are the main differences between crows, rooks and pigeons?
Among
We use among when somebody/something is in a group or a mass of people or things which we do not see separately.
- The mother sat among her small children.
- The rich merchant divided his property among his sons.
Among can mean one of, some of or included in.
- Among those present was the Mayor.
- The Amazon is among the longest rivers in the world.
- Incorrect: The interview will be held between 2 to 4pm.
- Correct: The interview will be held between 2 and 4 pm.
- Incorrect: The conference will take place between the 12th to the 18th of this month.
- Correct: The conference will take place between the 12th and the 18th of this month.
Or else you can say:
- The interview will be held from 2 to 4 pm.
- The conference will take place from the 12th to the 18th of this month.
Between and among | Grammar exercise
Complete the following sentences using between or among.
1. They live in a small hut hidden —————– the trees. (between / among)
2. She was standing —————— the children. (between / among)
3. Lila sat ————— Jessie and Ruth. (between / among)
4. He was at his office —————– ten and twelve. (between / among)
5. He shared the food ——————- his siblings. (between / among)
6. What are the differences —————— lions, tigers and jaguars? (between / among)
7. I have a number of journalists —————– my friends. (between / among)
Answers
1. They live in a small hut hidden among the trees.
2. She was standing among the children.
3. Lila sat between Jessie and Ruth.
4. He was at his office between ten and twelve.
5. He shared the food among / between his siblings.
6. What are the differences between lions, tigers and jaguars? (After difference we use between.)
7. I have a number of journalists among my friends.
