Mastering “Among”: Sentence Examples and Usage Guide
The preposition “among” is a fundamental word in English grammar, essential for expressing relationships between multiple entities or individuals. Understanding its proper usage is crucial for clear and precise communication, both in writing and speaking. This comprehensive guide will delve into the definition, structure, and various applications of “among,” providing numerous examples and practical exercises to solidify your understanding. Whether you’re an English language learner or simply seeking to refine your grammar skills, this article will equip you with the knowledge to confidently use “among” in any context.
This article is designed for English language learners, students, writers, and anyone looking to improve their understanding and use of the preposition “among.” By the end of this guide, you will be able to confidently and correctly incorporate “among” into your sentences, enhancing your overall communication skills.
Table of Contents
- Definition of “Among”
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of Usage
- Examples of “Among” in Sentences
- Usage Rules for “Among”
- Common Mistakes with “Among”
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of “Among”
“Among” is a preposition that indicates a relationship of being included or occurring within a group or collection. It signifies that something is situated, happening, or shared by three or more entities. Unlike “between,” which typically refers to two distinct items, “among” highlights the collective or shared nature of a situation.
Classification: “Among” belongs to the class of prepositions, which are words that connect nouns or pronouns to other words in a sentence, indicating relationships such as location, time, direction, or manner.
Function: The primary function of “among” is to show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and a group of other nouns or pronouns. It specifies that the subject is part of, included in, or affected by the group.
Contexts: “Among” is used in various contexts, including:
- Describing the location of something within a group.
- Indicating a shared characteristic or action among members of a group.
- Expressing a feeling or sentiment that is prevalent within a group.
- Referring to a distribution or division among multiple recipients.
Structural Breakdown
The typical structure involving “among” is as follows:
Subject + Verb + “Among” + Plural Noun/Pronoun
Here’s a breakdown of the components:
- Subject: The person, place, or thing that performs the action or is being described.
- Verb: The action word or state of being.
- “Among”: The preposition indicating inclusion or relationship within a group.
- Plural Noun/Pronoun: The group or collection of entities. It is crucial that the noun or pronoun following “among” is plural, as it refers to multiple items.
For example, in the sentence “She felt comfortable among her friends,” the subject is “She,” the verb is “felt,” “among” connects “she” to the group, and “her friends” is the plural noun representing the group.
It’s important to note that while “amongst” is a variant of “among,” both are generally interchangeable, although “amongst” is more common in British English and has a slightly more formal tone. In most contemporary usage, “among” is preferred for its simplicity and clarity.
Types and Categories of Usage
“Among” can be categorized based on the type of relationship it establishes. Here are some common categories:
Spatial Relationships
This category involves describing the location of something within a group or area. “Among” indicates that the subject is situated or distributed within the specified space.
Shared Characteristics or Actions
Here, “among” signifies that a particular trait, activity, or experience is common to or shared by the members of a group.
Distribution or Division
This usage indicates how something is divided or allocated among multiple recipients or entities. “Among” highlights the distribution process across the group.
Emotional or Psychological States
In this context, “among” expresses a feeling, sentiment, or psychological state that is prevalent or experienced within a group.
Idiomatic Expressions
Certain phrases and expressions incorporate “among” with specific meanings that are not always immediately obvious. These idiomatic uses often add nuance or figurative language to a sentence.
Examples of “Among” in Sentences
The following sections provide a comprehensive collection of example sentences illustrating the various uses of “among.” Each section focuses on a specific category to provide clarity and context.
General Examples
This table provides a variety of examples showcasing the general usage of “among” in different sentence structures. The examples cover different subjects, verbs, and plural nouns to demonstrate the flexibility of “among.”
| # | Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1 | The lost keys were found among the pile of books. |
| 2 | There was a sense of camaraderie among the team members. |
| 3 | The ancient ruins are hidden among the dense forest. |
| 4 | She felt a connection among the other volunteers. |
| 5 | The agreement was divided among the three companies. |
| 6 | He is well-respected among his peers. |
| 7 | The flowers were scattered among the green grass. |
| 8 | There is a strong sense of loyalty among the soldiers. |
| 9 | The truth is hidden among layers of lies. |
| 10 | She felt like an outsider among the popular kids. |
| 11 | The money was distributed equally among the heirs. |
| 12 | He found peace among the quiet trees. |
| 13 | There was disagreement among the board members. |
| 14 | The birds built their nests among the branches. |
| 15 | She felt safe among her family. |
| 16 | The rumors spread quickly among the students. |
| 17 | He searched for the answer among the many possibilities. |
| 18 | There was a feeling of excitement among the crowd. |
| 19 | The cats roamed freely among the alleyways. |
| 20 | She felt lost among the towering buildings. |
| 21 | The documents were carefully filed among the records. |
| 22 | There was a shared understanding among the participants. |
| 23 | The stars twinkled among the darkness. |
| 24 | She felt accepted among her colleagues. |
| 25 | The tasks were divided among the team. |
Referring to People
This table focuses on the use of “among” when referring to groups of people. These examples highlight how “among” can describe relationships, feelings, or actions shared within a community or social group.
| # | Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1 | She felt comfortable among her classmates. |
| 2 | There was a traitor among the loyal soldiers. |
| 3 | He is popular among his friends. |
| 4 | The secret was shared among the sisters. |
| 5 | There was distrust among the rivals. |
| 6 | She felt like an imposter among the professionals. |
| 7 | The decision was made among the committee members. |
| 8 | There was a sense of unity among the protesters. |
| 9 | He is highly respected among the elders. |
| 10 | The money was divided among the survivors. |
| 11 | There was a spy among the government officials. |
| 12 | She felt at peace among her family. |
| 13 | There was disagreement among the jurors. |
| 14 | He is considered a leader among his peers. |
| 15 | The award was given among the deserving candidates. |
| 16 | There was a sense of competition among the athletes. |
| 17 | She felt isolated among the strangers. |
| 18 | The responsibility was shared among the colleagues. |
| 19 | There was a sense of camaraderie among the teammates. |
| 20 | He is well-known among the artists. |
| 21 | The information was confidential among the select few. |
| 22 | She felt supported among her friends and family. |
| 23 | There was a clear hierarchy among the managers. |
| 24 | He is a favorite among the children. |
| 25 | The profits were distributed among the shareholders. |
Referring to Objects
This table illustrates the use of “among” when referring to collections of objects. These examples show how “among” can describe the location, arrangement, or distribution of items within a group.
| # | Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1 | The valuable coin was hidden among the old trinkets. |
| 2 | The flowers were arranged among the greenery. |
| 3 | The rocks were scattered among the sand dunes. |
| 4 | The seashells were mixed among the pebbles. |
| 5 | The books were piled among the clutter. |
| 6 | The toys were strewn among the living room. |
| 7 | The documents were filed among the folders. |
| 8 | The paintings were displayed among the sculptures. |
| 9 | The ingredients were mixed among the spices. |
| 10 | The tools were organized among the drawers. |
| 11 | The clothes were sorted among the piles. |
| 12 | The jewels were scattered among the treasure. |
| 13 | The letters were found among the papers. |
| 14 | The dishes were stacked among the shelves. |
| 15 | The ornaments were hung among the branches. |
| 16 | The tools were spread among the workbench. |
| 17 | The candles were placed among the decorations. |
| 18 | The cookies were distributed among the plates. |
| 19 | The leaves were swept among the sidewalk. |
| 20 | The furniture was arranged among the rooms. |
| 21 | The products were displayed among the shelves. |
| 22 | The equipment was stored among the containers. |
| 23 | The samples were tested among the batches. |
| 24 | The components were assembled among the machines. |
| 25 | The materials were sorted among the bins. |
Referring to Abstract Concepts
This table demonstrates the use of “among” when referring to abstract concepts, such as ideas, feelings, or principles. These examples show how “among” can describe relationships or distributions within a set of intangible elements.
| # | Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1 | There was a difference of opinion among the theories. |
| 2 | The truth is hidden among the lies. |
| 3 | There was a shared understanding among the principles. |
| 4 | The hope was spread among the fears. |
| 5 | There was a balance among the virtues. |
| 6 | The confusion was spread among the rumors. |
| 7 | There was a connection among the ideas. |
| 8 | The trust was broken among the promises. |
| 9 | There was a conflict among the values. |
| 10 | The respect was earned among the qualities. |
| 11 | The peace was found among the chaos. |
| 12 | The harmony was created among the notes. |
| 13 | The knowledge was distributed among the disciplines. |
| 14 | The wisdom was gained among the experiences. |
| 15 | The progress was made among the challenges. |
| 16 | The innovation was sparked among the ideas. |
| 17 | The understanding was built among the perspectives. |
| 18 | The agreement was reached among the compromises. |
| 19 | The solution was found among the options. |
| 20 | The success was shared among the efforts. |
| 21 | The doubt lingered among the certainties. |
| 22 | The curiosity grew among the questions. |
| 23 | The inspiration flowed among the thoughts. |
| 24 | The creativity flourished among the restrictions. |
| 25 | The collaboration thrived among the skills. |
Idiomatic Expressions
This table presents examples of idiomatic expressions that incorporate “among.” These phrases often have meanings that are not immediately apparent from the individual words, adding nuance and depth to communication. Understanding these idioms can enhance your fluency and comprehension.
| # | Sentence | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | He is among the best in his field. | He is one of the most skilled or talented individuals in his profession. |
| 2 | Let’s keep this among ourselves. | Let’s keep this information private and not share it with others. |
| 3 | The issue is among the many problems the company faces. | The issue is one of the various challenges the company is dealing with. |
| 4 | He is among those who believe in the cause. | He is one of the people who support and advocate for the cause. |
| 5 | The book is popular among readers of all ages. | The book is well-liked by a wide range of readers. |
| 6 | She is among the most dedicated volunteers. | She is one of the most committed and hardworking volunteers. |
| 7 | The project is among the top priorities. | The project is one of the most important tasks to be completed. |
| 8 | He is among the few who understand the complexity. | He is one of the small number of people who grasp the intricate details. |
| 9 | The city is famous among tourists. | The city is well-known and popular with visitors. |
| 10 | The discovery is significant among scientific advancements. | The discovery is an important contribution to the field of science. |
| 11 | He counts himself among the lucky ones. | He considers himself to be fortunate. |
| 12 | The movie is rated highly among critics. | The movie is well-regarded by reviewers. |
| 13 | The song is a favorite among music lovers. | The song is widely enjoyed by people who appreciate music. |
| 14 | The invention is groundbreaking among technological innovations. | The invention is revolutionary in the field of technology. |
| 15 | The artist is recognized among his contemporaries. | The artist is acknowledged for his work among other artists of his time. |
Usage Rules for “Among”
Using “among” correctly involves understanding its relationship with the nouns or pronouns it connects, as well as its distinction from similar prepositions. Here are some key usage rules:
“Among” vs. “Between”
The most common point of confusion is differentiating between “among” and “between.” “Between” is used when referring to two distinct items or groups, while “among” is used when referring to three or more items or a non-specific group. For instance:
- Between: The agreement was made between the two companies. (Two distinct companies)
- Among: The agreement was made among the several companies. (More than two companies)
However, there are exceptions. “Between” can be used when discussing relationships involving more than two items if the focus is on the individual connections between each item. For example, “The negotiations between the three parties were complex” emphasizes the bilateral discussions rather than the collective agreement.
“Among” in Formal Writing
In formal writing, it is generally advisable to use “among” rather than its variant “amongst,” as “among” is considered more contemporary and simple. While “amongst” is not incorrect, it can sound archaic or pretentious in modern English.
When using “among” in formal writing, ensure that the sentence structure is clear and unambiguous. Avoid placing “among” in awkward positions within the sentence, and always ensure that the noun or pronoun following “among” is plural.
“Among” with Plural Nouns
The noun or pronoun following “among” should always be plural because “among” implies a relationship with a group consisting of multiple entities. Using a singular noun after “among” is grammatically incorrect.
- Incorrect: She felt comfortable among her friend.
- Correct: She felt comfortable among her friends.
This rule applies to both countable and uncountable nouns. Even when the group is considered a collective, the noun must still be pluralized.
Common Mistakes with “Among”
Several common mistakes occur when using “among.” Understanding these errors can help you avoid them in your own writing and speaking.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The secret was between the friends. | The secret was among the friends. | “Between” is for two items; “among” is for three or more. |
| He felt lost among the crowd. | He felt lost in the crowd. | While “among” isn’t strictly incorrect here, “in” is more natural when describing being surrounded by a large group. |
| The money was divided among he and she. | The money was divided among him and her. | Use the objective pronouns “him” and “her” after the preposition “among.” |
| She is the best among the student. | She is the best among the students. | The noun following “among” must be plural. |
| Let’s keep this among you and I. | Let’s keep this among you and me. | Use the objective pronoun “me” after the preposition “among.” |
Practice Exercises
These exercises will help you practice using “among” in various contexts. Each exercise focuses on a different aspect of its usage, from choosing between “among” and “between” to constructing correct sentences.
Exercise 1: Choose Between “Among” and “Between”
Select the correct preposition (“among” or “between”) for each sentence.
| # | Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The negotiations were conducted _______ the three nations. | among |
| 2 | The agreement was _______ the two parties. | between |
| 3 | There was a shared understanding _______ the team members. | among |
| 4 | The rivalry _______ the two schools is intense. | between |
| 5 | The prize was divided _______ the contestants. | among |
| 6 | The discussion _______ the siblings was heated. | between |
| 7 | The food was distributed _______ the homeless. | among |
| 8 | There is a strong connection _______ the artist and his muse. | between |
| 9 | The decision was made _______ the board of directors. | among |
| 10 | The treaty was signed _______ the two countries. | between |
Exercise 2: Correct the Sentences
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences related to the usage of “among.”
| # | Sentence | Corrected Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | She felt comfortable among her friend. | She felt comfortable among her friends. |
| 2 | The secret was among you and I. | The secret was among you and me. |
| 3 | He is the best among the student in the class. | He is the best among the students in the class. |
| 4 | Let’s keep this between us all. | Let’s keep this among ourselves. |
| 5 | There was disagreement among the group. | There was disagreement among the group members. |
| 6 | She found the key among the clutter. | She found the key among the cluttered items. |
| 7 | The tasks were divided between the team. | The tasks were divided among the team members. |
| 8 | He felt lost among the buildings. | He felt lost among the tall buildings. |
| 9 | The money was split between the heirs. | The money was split among the heirs. |
| 10 | The truth is hidden between the lies. | The truth is hidden among the lies. |
Exercise 3: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences using “among” and an appropriate plural noun or pronoun.
| # | Sentence | Possible Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | There was a sense of excitement _______ the _______. | among, children |
| 2 | He is well-respected _______ his _______. | among, colleagues |
| 3 | The flowers were scattered _______ the _______. | among, leaves |
| 4 | She felt safe _______ her _______. | among, friends |
| 5 | The rumors spread quickly _______ the _______. | among, students |
| 6 | He searched for the answer _______ the _______. | among, possibilities |
| 7 | The cats roamed freely _______ the _______. | among, alleyways |
| 8 | She felt lost _______ the _______. | among, buildings |
| 9 | The documents were filed _______ the _______. | among, records |
| 10 | There was a shared understanding _______ the _______. | among, participants |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of “among” can further refine their language skills. Here are some advanced topics to consider:
- The use of “among” in formal legal documents: Legal texts often use “among” to specify the parties involved in an agreement or contract.
- The subtle differences between “among” and “amid”: While both prepositions indicate being surrounded by something, “amid” often implies a more chaotic or overwhelming environment.
- The historical evolution of “among” and “amongst”: Understanding the origins and changing usage patterns of these words can provide insights into the development of the English language.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the preposition “among”:
- Is “amongst” the same as “among”?
Yes, “amongst” is a variant of “among,” primarily used in British English. Both are generally interchangeable, but “among” is more common in modern usage due to its simplicity.
- When should I use “among” instead of “between”?
Use “among” when referring to three or more items or a non-specific group. Use “between” when referring to two distinct items or groups, or when emphasizing individual connections between multiple items.
- Can “among” be used with singular nouns?
No, “among” should always be followed by a plural noun or pronoun, as it implies a relationship with a group consisting of multiple entities.
- What part of speech is “among”?
“Among” is a preposition. It connects a noun or pronoun to other words in the sentence, indicating a relationship of inclusion or occurrence within a group.
- Is it correct to say “among you and I”?
No, it is incorrect. The correct phrase is “among you and me.” Use the objective pronoun “me” after the preposition “among.”
- Can “among” be used to describe feelings?
Yes, “among” can be used to describe feelings, especially when those feelings are shared or prevalent within a group. For example: “There was a sense of camaraderie among the team members.”
- How do I avoid common mistakes when using “among”?
To avoid common mistakes, always ensure that the noun following “among” is plural, and that you are using the correct pronoun case (objective case). Also, be mindful of the distinction between “among” and “between,” using each in the appropriate context.
- Are there any idiomatic expressions with “among” that I should know?
Yes, there are several idiomatic expressions with “among,” such as “He is among the best in his field” or “Let’s keep this among ourselves.” These expressions have specific meanings that are not always immediately obvious from the individual words.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of the preposition “among” is essential for clear and accurate communication in English. Understanding its definition, structural rules, and distinctions from similar prepositions like “between” will significantly enhance your grammar skills. By studying the examples provided and practicing the exercises, you can confidently incorporate “among” into your writing and speaking.
Remember the key takeaways: “among” is used for groups of three or more, it requires a plural noun or pronoun, and it’s distinct from “between,” which is used for two items or groups. Continue practicing and paying attention to how “among” is used in various contexts, and you’ll soon master this important preposition. Consistent practice and attention to detail are key to mastering any aspect of English grammar.
