Among vs Amongst
What’s the difference between them?
Among
Meaning:
Among means in the midst or in the company of.
Examples:
1. Among the graduates, she was the most successful.
2. The two of them argued among themselves for hours.
3. Among the papers, he found a secret diary.
Amongst
Meaning:
more formal and rare version of among.
Examples:
1. Amongst the many people in the room, I felt lost.
2. She was amongst the first people to get the vaccine.
3. His ideas were amongst the most creative ones presented.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Among
1. Amid
2. Amongst
3. Surrounded by
4. In the midst of
5. Included in
1. Apart
2. Separate
3. Unrelated
4. Disparate
5. Disconnected
Amongst
1. Amidst
2. In the middle of
3. Surrounded by
4. Embedded in
5. Intermingled with
1. Separately
2. Apart
3. Alone
4. Discretely
5. Distinctly
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Among", "Amongst".
1. 'Among' is the preferred spelling in English.
2. 'Amongst' is widely used in formal writing and legal contexts.
3. Pay attention to context. If it is formal, always use 'amongst.'
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the first word 'among' be used?
The word 'among' is used when referring to a group of three or more people, animals, or things. For example, one might say, 'He is among the greatest athletes in the world.' It can also be used to refer to the relationship between two or more people or things. For example, one might say, 'There is competition among the top players.'
When is the appropriate context for using the second word 'amongst'?
The word 'amongst' is a variation of 'among' and is used in contexts where 'among' might sound too informal. For example, one might say, 'The athlete was amongst the best in the league.' The word 'amongst' is typically used in more formal contexts.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, among is pronounced as /əˈmʌŋ/, while amongst is pronounced as /əˈmʌŋst/.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
A common mistake is misusing 'among' and 'amongst' when referring to a group of two. The word 'among' is only used when referring to three or more people, animals, or things. For groups of two, the word 'between' should be used instead. Another mistake people make is using 'amongst' in informal contexts. 'Amongst' should only be used in more formal contexts.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. She found herself ________ strangers in a new city.
2. The secret was shared ________ close friends.
3. There was an understanding ________ the team members.
4. The hidden treasure was buried ________ the trees in the dense forest.
5. ________ the documents, there was a letter from the King.
6. The dissenting opinions were scattered ________ the council members.
1. Among
Explanation: The context does not require a formal tone, making among the appropriate choice.
2. Among
Explanation: Again, the context is straightforward and lacks formality. Among fits best.
3. Among
Explanation: The sentence implies a simple, general understanding in a team, and among is the most common and natural choice.
4. Amongst
Explanation: The presence of a dense forest and the context of hidden treasure suggests a more narrative, possibly formal or old-fashioned tone, making amongst a fitting choice.
5. Amongst
Explanation: Referring to a letter from the King can be considered a more formal context, hence amongst is used.
6. Among
Explanation: The sentence describes a variety of opinions in a group, and the straightforward context makes among the suitable choice.
Get a gift by subscribing to our newsletter!
Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.