Both words describe something placed in the middle of a group. The number of things, and how you look at them, decide which one fits.
- Between is used for two things or people. It is also used for three or more when you think about each one separately.
- Among is used for three or more things or people seen as a group, without looking at each one.
Between: two things
The prize was shared between Mia and Tom.
There is a small table between the two beds.
Among: a group
The prize was shared among the five friends.
The house is hidden among the trees.
💡 The OddLingo Trick
Count the people or things first.
- Two? Use between. A line between two things has two sides.
- A crowd? Use among. Among is for a group you see as a whole.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Two people? Use between.
❌ The secret is among you and me.
✅ The secret is between you and me.
Between with three or more, one by one
Just starting out? You can safely skip this part.
Between can be used for more than two things when you think about each one separately, for example a treaty between three countries or a choice between three colours. The old rule that says between is only for two is a simplification: writers have used between for more than two for a very long time. Among is the safer choice when you have a crowd.