What is the Difference Between Among and Amongst?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The primary difference between "among" and "amongst" is one of formality. "Among" is the more commonly used word and is considered more appropriate for use in everyday language. "Amongst," on the other hand, is generally considered to be more formal or archaic. Both words have the same meaning in modern English, but their frequency of use varies. In American English, "among" is much more popular than "amongst," while in British English and other international English dialects, "among" is still more common, but the difference is less extreme.
Examples of how to use "among" and "amongst":
- Among the participants in the study, 25% reported experiencing anxiety.
- Amongst the participants in the study, 25% reported experiencing anxiety.
Both sentences are grammatically correct, but the first sentence is more commonly used in everyday language, while the second sentence may sound more formal. In academic writing, it is essential to know the nuanced usage of such words to convey your ideas accurately. It is a good idea to use "among" unless you are specifically aiming for a more formal or archaic tone.
Comparative Table: Among vs Amongst
The primary difference between "among" and "amongst" is one of formality. Both words are prepositions used to indicate that something is part of a larger group or collection, but "among" is more commonly used in everyday language, while "amongst" is considered more formal or archaic. Here is a comparison between the two:
| Feature | Among | Amongst |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | In the middle or included in a larger group of people or things | In the middle or included in a larger group of people or things |
| Formality | Less formal, commonly used in everyday language | More formal, considered archaic, typically used in specific contexts like legal documents or historical texts |
| Examples | - Among the participants in the study, 25% reported experiencing anxiety. - The researcher was among the crowd at the event. |
- Amongst the participants in the study, 25% reported experiencing anxiety. - The book was hidden amongst the pile of papers on the desk. |
In summary, "among" is the more commonly used word in everyday language, while "amongst" is generally reserved for more formal or archaic contexts.
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