A2preposition1K

Among

UK /["/əˈmʌŋ/","/əˈmʌŋst/"]/US /["/əˈmʌŋ/","/əˈmʌŋst/"]/

Definition

surrounded by somebody/something; in the middle of somebody/something

In simple words: In the middle of a group of people or things.

Examples

  • a house among the trees
  • They strolled among the crowds.
  • I found the letter amongst his papers.
  • It's OK, you're among friends now.
  • A British woman was among the survivors.
  • He was among the last to leave.
  • This attitude is common among the under-25s.
  • ‘What was wrong with the job?’ ‘Well, the pay wasn't good, **among other things**.’
  • Discuss it **among yourselves** *(= with each other)* first.
  • They divided the money up among their three children.

Usage notes

Use 'among' when referring to three or more items or people in a group. Avoid using it with two items, where 'between' is preferred. Suitable for both written and spoken contexts.

Grammar pattern

among + object (usually plural)

Memory hint

Think of 'among' as 'among a gang'—you are lost in a crowd.

Collocations

  • among friends
  • among the options
  • share among colleagues

Synonyms

  • amid
  • surrounded by
  • in the midst of
  • in between

Antonyms

  • excluding
  • beyond

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'between' when referring to two items.
  • Used 'among' with uncountable nouns, which is incorrect.
  • Omitting the preposition in a sentence.