Grammar
B1–C1
6 min read
Updated 9 June 2026
Quick Answer
Between is traditionally used for two things (between you and me, choose between two options). Among is used for three or more (among the crowd, among friends). Modern usage allows between for groups when relationships are individual and distinct, not general.
The prepositions among and between are both used to describe relationships involving multiple items or people. The traditional rule taught in schools — between for two, among for three or more — is a useful starting point, but the full picture is more nuanced, and knowing the finer distinction will improve your accuracy in formal writing.
The Traditional Rule
| Word | Traditional use | Example |
|---|
| between | two people or things | between you and me |
| among | three or more people or things | among the students |
The money was divided between the two siblings.
The money was divided among the five heirs.
The secret is between you and me.
She felt comfortable among her friends.
The More Precise Rule: Individual vs General
Many usage guides, including the Oxford English Grammar, note that the two/three+ rule is a simplification. The more accurate distinction is:
- Use between when the relationships are individual and distinct — each item is considered separately in relation to the others.
- Use among when something is in the middle of a group treated as a mass, without individual distinction.
A treaty was signed between the three countries. (individual relationships — each pair signed together)
She was among the three candidates selected. (part of a group — no individual pairing)
The differences between the four proposals were clear. (each proposal compared to each other individually)
There was excitement among the supporters. (general feeling in a group)
Key Insight
Between involves distinct, named, or individual items. Among involves a general group or collective where individual relationships are not specified.
Always Use “Between” for Exactly Two
For exactly two items, between is almost always the correct choice:
She had to choose between the two job offers.
The road runs between London and Oxford.
There is a big difference between these two approaches.
Always Use “Among” for General Groups
When referring to being surrounded by or part of a general group, always use among:
She grew up among artists.
He was lost among the crowd.
The disease spread among the population.
He counted her among his closest friends.
“Amongst” vs “Among”
Amongst is an older or more literary variant of among, used mainly in British English. Both are correct, but among is more common in modern formal writing. In American English, amongst is rare and can sound formal or old-fashioned.
She was among the first to hear the news. (standard modern English)
She was amongst the first to hear the news. (British variant, slightly more literary)
Common Collocations
Fixed phrases that use between:
- between you and me (confidential)
- between a rock and a hard place
- in between (in the middle of)
- read between the lines
- the difference between
Fixed phrases that use among:
- among other things
- among friends
- among the best / first / most
- count someone among (to consider someone as part of a group)
Related Grammar Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between "among" and "between"?
The traditional rule is: between for two items, among for three or more. The more precise rule is: between when relationships are individual and distinct (a treaty between three countries — each pair considered separately); among when something is part of a general group (among the crowd — no individual pairing). For exactly two items, between is almost always correct. For general groups with no distinct individual relationships, use among.
Can "between" be used with more than two things?
Yes. Between can be used for three or more items when the relationships are individual and distinct. A deal was reached between the three companies (each company has a direct relationship with the others individually). The differences between the four candidates were clear (each candidate is compared individually to each other). Using between for groups when individual relationships exist is accepted in standard English.
Is it "between you and I" or "between you and me"?
It is "between you and me." Between is a preposition, and prepositions take object pronouns (me, him, her, us, them) — not subject pronouns (I, he, she, we, they). "Between you and I" is a hypercorrection and is grammatically incorrect, despite being widely heard in informal speech. The correct form is always "between you and me," "between him and her," "between us and them."
What is the difference between "among" and "amongst"?
Among and amongst have the same meaning — amongst is an older or more literary variant of among. Amongst is more common in British English and may sound slightly formal or poetic. Among is used in both British and American English and is preferred in modern formal writing. In American English, amongst is rare and can sound old-fashioned. For everyday and formal writing, among is recommended.
Should I say "divide between" or "divide among"?
Both are used depending on the number of recipients. Divide between is traditionally used for two: divided between the two children. Divide among is traditionally used for three or more: divided among the five shareholders. In practice, many speakers use between for all cases (divided between the five shareholders), and this is increasingly accepted. For formal and traditional writing, observe the two/many distinction.
What does "among other things" mean?
"Among other things" is a fixed phrase meaning "as one example in a larger list" or "in addition to other examples." It signals that the speaker is not giving a complete list but mentioning one or a few items from a larger group: She speaks French, Spanish, and Arabic, among other languages. He is responsible for IT support, among other things. This is always spelled among (not between), as it refers to a general group.
Is it "among the best" or "between the best"?
Among the best is the correct form. When saying that someone or something is part of a top group, use among: She is among the best players in the country. He is among the most talented artists of his generation. Between would only work if you were making a direct individual comparison: choosing between the best two options. Use among when referring to membership in a general group, and between when comparing specific distinct items.
Can I use "between" in a sentence like "discussions between EU member states"?
Yes. "Discussions between EU member states" is correct even though there are 27 member states. Between is appropriate here because the discussions involve distinct individual relationships between specific named parties. This is the more precise rule: between is used when individual, distinct relationships are implied. If you said "a feeling of unity among EU member states," among would be correct because it describes a general condition within the group.
What does "read between the lines" mean?
"Read between the lines" is an idiom meaning to understand the hidden or implied meaning behind what is written or said — the meaning that is not directly stated. The idiom always uses between (not among), as it is a fixed expression. For example: He said everything was fine, but reading between the lines, I could tell he was worried. This idiom comes from the idea of secret messages hidden between visible lines of text.
Is "between" always wrong for three or more items?
No. The idea that between must only be used for exactly two items is an oversimplification. Major style guides including the Oxford English Grammar and Fowler's Modern English Usage note that between is correct for three or more items when the individual relationships between each pair are distinct and named. The simpler "two vs three+" rule is a helpful classroom guideline but does not reflect the full range of standard English usage.