Between versus among
Which sentences are correct?
- We set up camp among the trees.
- We set up camp between the trees.
- Choose among red, blue, or yellow.
- Choose between red, blue, or yellow.
- I divided the candy among both children.
- I divided the candy between both children.
- I divided the candy among all the children.
- I divided the candy between all the children.
- Relationships among family members can be volatile.
- Relationships between family members can be volatile.
- Establishing a formal treaty among nations is a complex process.
- Establishing a formal treaty between nations is a complex process.
The correct sentences are A, D, F, G, J, and L.
Why?
Between describes one-to-one relationships of two individual items or more.
Among describes collective relationships of at least three unspecified or grouped items.
In sentences A and B, “trees” is used generically.
In sentences C and D, three colors are named specifically.
In sentences E and F, two children are identified.
In sentences G and H, “children” is used generically.
In sentences I and J, family members are individuals, with one-to-one relationships, within the larger family group.
In sentences K and L, the nations individually sign the treaty and relate to each other as separate entities.
Many people believe that between applies to exactly two items while among always applies to items of three or more. This belief is false. Although it is true that among is not used for only two items, the primary difference in the terms is that among expresses the vague connections of a generic group of items and between expresses the distinctive relationships of specific, individual items, regardless of the number.
When considering which term to use, decide if you are describing a group or individuals. Use between when the relationships are one to one and among when they are collective.
