Quick answer: Between is used for two items, or for three or more when they are individually distinct and named (a deal between France, Germany, and Italy). Among is used for a group treated collectively (popular among students, divide among the team). For a fuller definition, see the Cambridge Dictionary entry for ‘between’.
Comparison Table
| Word | Typical Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| between | two items; or three+ individually named | Choose between A, B, and C. |
| among | a collective group (three or more) | She is popular among her peers. |
Using Between
Between is used when referring to two items that are clearly distinct. It can also be used with more than two items when each is individually identifiable — this is the modern, accepted usage.
There is a wall between the two houses.
A treaty was signed between France, Germany, and Poland.
Can you choose between these three options?
Between you and me, I think he’s wrong.
Between in Fixed Expressions
Between appears in fixed expressions that cannot use among: in between, read between the lines, fall between the cracks, between a rock and a hard place.
Using Among
Among is used when someone or something is part of a larger group, or when sharing or distributing to a group. The items in the group are not individually singled out.
She was popular among her classmates.
The prize money was divided among the winners.
He wandered among the stalls at the market.
Among other things, she speaks three languages.
Common Mistakes
✗ Choose among the two candidates.
✓ Choose between the two candidates.
✗ Between you and I, this is a secret.
✓ Between you and me, this is a secret.
Note: between is a preposition; use object pronouns (me, him, her, us, them) after it.
✗ Read among the lines.
✓ Read between the lines.
Also confusing: Above vs Over, Beneath vs Under, Already vs Yet. Browse all confusing word pairs →
Quick Check: Between or Among?
Four questions — choose the correct word.
1. “She was the most talented ___ all the applicants.”
2. “___ you and me, I think the plan will fail.”
3. “The sweets were shared ___ the children.”
4. “There is a big difference ___ a noun and a verb.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between between and among?
The traditional rule: use between for two items (“choose between tea and coffee”) and among for three or more (“divided among the team”). In practice, between is also correct with three or more items when they are individually distinct.
Can between be used for more than two things?
Yes. Between is correct for three or more items when they are distinct and individually named: “a treaty between France, Germany, and Italy”. The old rule saying between = two only is outdated.
When should I always use among?
Use among when referring to a group treated collectively or when items are not individually listed: “she was popular among her colleagues”, “distribute the sweets among the children”, “among other things”.
Is “amongst” the same as “among”?
Yes, amongst is an older/more formal variant of among, more common in British English. Both are correct, but among is the standard choice in modern writing.
Can I say “between the three of us”?
Yes, “between the three of us” is correct and widely accepted. Use between when the relationship involves distinct, identifiable individuals, even if there are more than two.
What is the difference between “between you and me” and “between you and I”?
“Between you and me” is grammatically correct — between is a preposition and takes object pronouns (me, him, her, us, them). “Between you and I” is a common error, though frequently heard in informal speech.
Can “among” be used with just two things?
Technically, among is used for three or more. Using among for two (“choose among the two”) sounds unusual and is best avoided. Use between for two distinct items.
What does “among other things” mean?
“Among other things” means in addition to other matters: “She studies languages, among other things”. Between cannot be used in this expression.
Is “between” used in fixed expressions?
Yes. Fixed expressions include “between us”, “in between”, “read between the lines”, “between a rock and a hard place”, “fall between the cracks”. These cannot be replaced by among.
How do between and among appear in IELTS?
In IELTS, between is used for comparing two things or groups (“the difference between A and B”) while among appears in discussions of distribution or shared qualities (“among the main reasons”). Examiners notice correct preposition use.