Among vs. Amongst

The words amongst and among are both prepositions in the English language, and they are used to indicate the relationship of one thing to a group of other things. While these words are quite similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably, there are some distinctions in their usage.

When is among used?

Among is the more commonly used of the two, especially in American English. It is considered more straightforward and is preferred in formal writing.

Example sentence

The book was hidden among the other books on the shelf.

When is amongst used?

Amongst is a slightly less common variant, and it is more commonly used in British English. It carries a sense of older or more formal style, and some people consider it somewhat archaic.

Example sentence

She found the old letter amongst her grandmother's belongings.

More example sentences

The old journal was discovered hidden amongst/among a stack of dusty books in the attic.
Amongst/Among the chaos of the city, there is a serene park where one can find solace.
She felt a sense of camaraderie amongst/among her coworkers, who shared her passion for environmental conservation.
The painting stood out amongst/among the various artworks displayed at the gallery.
Amongst/Among the various options on the menu, the lasagna was his favorite.
The cat hid amongst/among the bushes during the thunderstorm.
He was the quietest student amongst/among his classmates.
Amongst/Among the choices available, I prefer the blue shirt.
The secret code was hidden amongst/among the pages of the old book.
She stood out amongst/among the crowd due to her distinctive attire.

In practice, the choice between "among" and "amongst" often comes down to personal preference and the specific context of the sentence. There is no significant difference in meaning between the two, and in most cases, using "among" will be perfectly acceptable. However, if you're writing in a formal or British English context or simply prefer the slightly more traditional sound of "amongst," you can use it without fear of being incorrect.

Common idioms/phrases

Using "Amongst":

Fall amongst thieves: This idiom means to be in a bad or dishonest company. For example, "He who lies down with dogs, shall rise up amongst thieves."
Cast pearls before swine: This phrase means to offer something valuable to someone who cannot appreciate its worth. It's often used to describe sharing knowledge or beauty amongst people who don't understand or appreciate it.

Using "Among":

Among other things: This phrase is used when listing several items or issues and implies that there are more things that could be mentioned. For example, "She's an expert in various fields, including chemistry, biology, and among other things, astronomy."
Talk among yourselves: This is an instruction to a group of people, suggesting that they should have a conversation or discussion without involving the speaker. For instance, "Please talk among yourselves while I step out for a moment."
Among the living: This phrase is used to describe someone who is alive, in contrast to those who have died. For example, "He's one of the luckiest survivors, still among the living after that accident."

These idiomatic expressions demonstrate how "amongst" and "among" can be used to convey various meanings and nuances in English, often related to inclusion, association, or being part of a group.

In essence, the difference between "amongst" and "among" is primarily a matter of style and regional usage, and both words serve the same purpose in indicating the relationship between one thing and a group of others.

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