Between vs Among | Ask Linda! | English Grammar

In this video Linda takes a look at the difference between “among” and “between”. “Between” is used when we want to refer to two or more things that are distinct. “Choose between the red and the green socks” in this example we use “between” because the socks are clearly separate. We use “among” when we refer to things that are part of a group or mass. “Choose among all your socks” here we use “among” because we are talking about all the socks.


The difference between the two words between and among is often unclear to many.

So let’s break it down:

Between is used to refer to usually two (sometimes more) things that are clearly separated.

Choose between the red or green socks.

The word ‘among’, however, is used for things that are not separated but instead are part of a mass or a group.

So you would choose among all your socks and not between.

One more example to make it clear:

I am walking between Baker Street and 5th Avenue.
(here we’re talking about two things, two streets) and use between.

I am walking among my friends.
(here, we’re talking about more than two people) and use among.

Next time you’re unsure about which word to use, simply ask yourself if you are referring to something that is clearly separated or something that is part of a mass or a group.

That’s it for today. See you next time.
Are you ready to live and teach abroad? Click here and get started today: https://www.teflcourse.net/?cu=YTDESC...