Among Vs Amongst?

Question

Could someone explain when would you use the word among and when would you use the word amongst in a sentence??

Answer 1

Regardless of what the dictionary says, I have generally heard both with the same meaning. Amongst sounds a little more poetic, a little old-fashioned and elegant. Sometimes it is used with a semi-ironic or joking tone: "You all talk amongst yourselves."

If there is any shade of meaning difference, I doubt most people would recognize it - I think the difference I mention would be foremost in their minds.

Answer 2

I always use amongst. Have never used the word among.

Answer 3

Among: in the middle of
Example: a house among the trees

Amongst: in shares or parts to each person (in a group etc)
Example: Divide the chocolate amongst you.

Answer 4

Among is traditional in the US, amongst in Britain.
It is merely geographical.

Answer 5

There may be a slight difference in meaning,but the biggest thing now is that amongst is a rather "dated" usage, and it just sounds kind of cool and old-fashioned, like something from the time of Shakespeare and King James.

Answer 6

Some people make a distinction between the 2, but there is no need to do so; either form can be used in any context.

Answer 7

traditionalist amongst means the same as among
, but the "Feeling" is more uplifting.

Answer 8

Among infers selection. Amongst infers placement.

"He is one among many."

"I found it amongst the others."


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Answer 9

they mean the same in general useage. but amongst isnt really used much now no real reason why itr shouldnt be though

Answer 10

i thing among is used for the present & amongst is used for the past.

I am among some sweet babes.

I was amongst some sweet babes.


i may be mistaken but sounds right in my head. especially the bit about the babes......Oh yeah!