As a student, professional writer, or curious language enthusiast, you have probably come across the words “among” and “amongst.” These words often cause confusion because they appear nearly identical in meaning, and many people wonder: Is there really a difference between “among” vs. “amongst,” and if so, which one should I use?
In this in-depth guide, we will explore the key differences (and similarities) between “among” and “amongst,” discuss their usage in both American and British English, and provide practical tips on how to choose the right word for your context. By the end of this blog post, you will have a clear understanding of when—and how—to use each term so your writing is both accurate and stylistically appropriate.
A Quick Overview of “Among” vs. “Amongst”
Before diving into historical usage, preferences, and examples, let’s begin with a concise definition of each word to help illustrate their similarities and subtle distinctions.
- Among
- Definition: In the midst of; surrounded by; in the company of multiple entities.
- Example: “She found herself among friends at the gathering.”
- Function: Often used in everyday conversation and writing to denote being part of or included in a group.
- Amongst
- Definition: In the midst of; surrounded by; archaic or more formal variant of “among.”
- Example: “He lived amongst the villagers for several years.”
- Function: Has a more archaic, poetic, or formal feel, and is often encountered in British English or older literary works.
From these definitions alone, you can see that both “among” and “amongst” convey a sense of being in the middle of a group or crowd. In most cases, the two words are interchangeable in meaning, but they can differ in terms of style, region, or formality. Next, we will delve deeper into why these differences exist.
Etymology and Historical Background
Origins of “Among”
- Old English Roots: The word “among” traces back to Old English “gemang” or “on gemang,” meaning “in the crowd” or “in the company (of).”
- Transition Over Time: As English evolved from the early Anglo-Saxon period through Middle English, “among” became the standard form to denote the idea of being ‘in the midst of or included with others.’
Origins of “Amongst”
- Archaic Formation: “Amongst” is an older variant. Historically, it was spelled “amonges,” adding the “-es” or “-st” suffix that was common in Middle English.
- Preserved in Literary Works: Over time, language patterns shifted, and certain words like “whilst,” “amidst,” and “amongst” retained an older, more poetic or formal quality. Writers in England and other regions often continued to use these forms, preserving them in literature and scholarly works.
While both words have Old English roots, “among” became the more commonly used form, especially in North America. “Amongst” retained a foothold mainly in British English and formal or literary contexts. This historical divergence laid the foundation for the contemporary usage patterns we see today.
Modern Usage and Common Contexts
Interchangeability in Meaning
In most everyday contexts, “among” and “amongst” carry the same essential meaning. If you say “She moved among the crowds” or “She moved amongst the crowds,” the primary meaning does not change. Both suggest that she is moving in the middle of or surrounded by people.
Differences in Connotation
- Formal Tone: “Amongst” often imparts a slightly more formal, old-fashioned, or poetic tone, which can be desirable in certain types of writing (e.g., historical novels, fantasy literature, or formal speeches).
- Common Usage: “Among” is widely accepted in daily conversation, academic writing, and informal communication. It is the more neutral and typical choice.
Frequency of Use
- American English: In the United States, “among” is overwhelmingly more common than “amongst.” Most American style guides, such as The Chicago Manual of Style, suggest sticking with “among” for simplicity.
- British English: While “among” is also more prevalent in British usage, “amongst” remains fairly recognizable and is accepted in formal or literary contexts.
Understanding these nuances will help you decide which word is more suitable for your writing context.
American vs. British Preferences
American English
- Standard Choice: Writers in the United States typically opt for “among.”
- Guidance from Style Guides: The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook and The Chicago Manual of Style both lean toward using “among” over “amongst,” noting that the latter is either archaic or more common in British English.
British English
- Accepted Usage: While “among” is still predominant in the UK, “amongst” doesn’t raise eyebrows as it might in the U.S.
- Stylistic Choice: British authors sometimes use “amongst” for a sense of tradition or to maintain a more formal or literary style.
If your primary audience is in the United States and you want to maintain a modern, neutral tone, you will likely use “among.” If you aim to address a British audience or adopt a historical/literary style, “amongst” can be a stylistic option.
Formal vs. Informal Writing
Formal Writing
- Academic Papers: Most academic institutions in the U.S. prefer standard, modern language. “Among” is usually the safer choice unless you have a specific reason to opt for “amongst.”
- Legal Documents: In legal writing, clarity is paramount. “Among” is more straightforward and is less likely to create confusion.
- Literary Texts: Depending on the style you wish to evoke, you might choose “amongst” to create a certain historical or aesthetic feeling.
Informal Writing
- Everyday Conversations: When transcribing interviews, speeches, or informal dialogue, you will most often see “among.”
- Emails, Texts, Social Media: If your goal is to communicate clearly and casually, “among” is the standard go-to.
The bottom line: if you’re aiming for a clean, contemporary feel, stick with “among.” If you want a more stylized or poetic tone, you can choose “amongst.”
Style Guides and Authority Opinions
The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS)
- Recommendation: CMOS suggests using “among” in most cases. The manual categorizes “amongst” as archaic or chiefly British.
The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook
- Recommendation: AP Stylebook prefers simpler, more commonly used forms. Thus, “among” is recommended for clarity and ease of understanding.
Fowler’s Modern English Usage
- Notes: The guide acknowledges “amongst” but states it is largely a matter of personal preference and registers higher on the formality scale.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
- Definition and Usage Labels: Merriam-Webster includes both “among” and “amongst,” noting that “amongst” is chiefly British and less commonly used in American English.
If you are writing for a publication, be sure to check the house style guide. Some publishers may explicitly list usage preferences regarding “among” and “amongst.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even though “among” and “amongst” typically share the same meaning, there are a few pitfalls that writers should be mindful of:
- Overuse of “Amongst” for Effect
- Mistake: Using “amongst” repeatedly to sound archaic or literary can distract readers.
- How to Avoid: If you do use “amongst,” ensure that it fits the context and tone of your overall piece.
- Mixing Old and Modern Styles
- Mistake: Combining too many archaic forms (e.g., “whilst,” “amongst,” “amidst”) in an otherwise modern text.
- How to Avoid: Stick to one style. Use archaic terms carefully if you want to evoke a particular historical or literary feeling.
- Inconsistency in a Single Document
- Mistake: Switching between “among” and “amongst” in the same piece without reason.
- How to Avoid: Choose one form and stay consistent throughout your writing unless you have a stylistic or editorial reason to do otherwise.
- Misuse in Idiomatic Expressions
- Mistake: Some expressions or idioms traditionally use “among,” and changing them to “amongst” could sound jarring. For example, “among friends” is more standard than “amongst friends” in American English.
- How to Avoid: When in doubt, look for established usage in reputable dictionaries or usage guides.
By being aware of these common mistakes, you can ensure your writing maintains clarity and an appropriate style.
Best Practices for Using “Among” or “Amongst”
- Know Your Audience
- If you’re writing for an American audience, default to “among.”
- If your audience is primarily British, you can use either but still lean toward “among” for a more contemporary feel unless a formal or literary tone is desired.
- Check Your Style Guide
- Consult the relevant style manual (e.g., AP, CMOS) or a corporate style guide.
- Adhering to these guidelines ensures consistency and credibility in professional or academic settings.
- Match the Tone of Your Content
- For a modern, straightforward approach, choose “among.”
- For a poetic, old-fashioned, or formal resonance, consider “amongst” in moderation.
- Maintain Consistency
- Select one form and use it consistently within a document or piece, unless there is a specific stylistic reason to alternate.
- When in Doubt, Simplify
- “Among” is almost never incorrect. If you’re uncertain, “among” is your safest choice.
Usage Examples for Clarity
Below are various sentences that illustrate how to use “among” vs. “amongst” in different contexts. Notice that the differences are subtle, and in many cases, one can substitute the other without changing the sentence’s meaning drastically.
- Casual Conversation
- “I found a few interesting books among the old collection.”
- “I found a few interesting books amongst the old collection.” (Less common in American speech)
- Literary or Poetic Tone
- “He wandered amongst the towering trees, lost in thought.”
- “He wandered among the towering trees, lost in thought.”
(“Amongst” lends an archaic or poetic flavor.)
- Formal Writing
- “This policy applies among all employees without exception.”
- “This policy applies amongst all employees without exception.”
(Either is acceptable, though modern style guides prefer “among.”)
- American Audience Example
- “There is disagreement among the committee members.”
- “There is disagreement amongst the committee members.” (Likely to be seen as archaic or overly formal)
- British Audience Example
- “It was a common tradition among the villagers.”
- “It was a common tradition amongst the villagers.” (Might be more accepted in British English)
Through these examples, you can see that context, audience, and tone heavily influence which word you choose. In general, “among” will be understood universally, but “amongst” might offer stylistic flair if used purposefully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is “among” or “amongst” more correct?
They are both correct, and they share the same core meaning. “Among” is more common and universally accepted, especially in modern American usage. “Amongst” has a more formal or archaic feel and is more common in British English.
When should I definitely use “among?”
Use “among” in most academic, professional, or casual writing settings unless a style guide specifies otherwise. It’s also the go-to choice when you need clarity and simplicity.
Is “amongst” considered archaic?
“Amongst” is sometimes deemed archaic in American English, but it’s still recognized and can appear in formal or literary British contexts. Some style guides classify it as archaic or poetic, but it’s not incorrect.
Can I use “amongst” in formal business documents?
You technically can, but American corporate environments often favor simpler language. Unless your company’s style guide allows or encourages the usage of “amongst,” stick to “among.”
Are there other words like “amongst?”
Yes, words such as “amid” and “amidst” share a similar relationship. “Amid” is more commonly used, while “amidst” is considered somewhat archaic or more poetic.
Does using “amongst” make my writing more sophisticated?
Not necessarily. While “amongst” can lend a formal or archaic feel, overusing it could distract or alienate readers. Sophistication depends more on clarity and relevance than on using older forms of words.
Conclusion
In the debate of “among vs. amongst,” the primary difference is style rather than meaning. Both words share the same core definition: being in the midst of a group or surrounded by others. However, “among” is the more universally accepted form, especially in American English, while “amongst” carries an older, more formal, or distinctly British connotation.
When making your choice, consider your audience, your context, and the tone you aim to convey. If you want to keep things straightforward, use “among.” If your piece calls for a historical, poetic, or distinctly British flavor, using “amongst” sparingly can add character. No matter which form you choose, maintain consistency throughout your text and check your style guide for specific guidelines.
By following the best practices and examples outlined in this blog post, you will have the confidence to decide whether “among” or “amongst” is best suited to your writing. Remember that language is fluid, and the key is clarity and coherence for your readers. So go forth and write with ease—whether you are among friends or amongst fellow enthusiasts of the written word.
Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information based on reputable grammar references and style guides. It is not intended as legal, academic, or professional advice. Please consult your organization’s style guide or a qualified writing expert for specific concerns related to grammar, usage, and style.
