Between and Among

Here we take a look at the prepositions of place between and among. We'll look at how to use them and the difference between them.

between

Between means 'in or into the space which separates at least two places, people or objects.'

'The post office is between the bank and the shop.'
'On the flight I sat between Michael and David.'
'Cambodia is between Thailand and Viet Nam.'

among

Among means in 'the middle of or surrounded by other things.' It is used for groups or a mass of at least three. We see the people or things as part of a group. Amongst has the same meaning, but is more formal.

'Did you see me? I was standing among a group of schoolchildren.'
'I searched among my things for my passport.'
'The wolf was hiding among the trees.'

Now read the following sentences and decide if between or among is needed:

Link: What are State Verbs?

• The two boys divided the sweet ___ themselves.
  
  between
  among
  
  
• Cardiff is ___ Newport and Swansea.
  
  between
  among
  
  
• You can only choose ___ the red or blue.
  
  among
  between
  
  
• It was found ___ all the books in the library.
  
  between
  among
  
  
• During the game, I had to sit ___ a large group of supporters of the other team.
  
  among
  between
  
  
• ___ the five of us, none of us like fish.
  
  Between
  Among
  
  
• He hit him right ___ the eyes!
  
  between
  among