Between vs. among vs. amid

What does between mean?

Between is a preposition which means in the middle of or connecting. Between is often used to indicate a one-to-one relationship or multiple one-to-one relationships.

For example:

• She sat between her siblings.

• The African Union encourages trade between members.

What does among mean?

Among is a preposition which means surrounded by, included in or jointly. Among implies a collective relationship.

For example:

• She was among the injured.

• You’ll have to decide among yourselves.

• Honor among thieves.

What does amid mean?

Amid is a preposition which means surrounded by, in the middle of or at a time of. Amid is usually used with mass nouns, but can also be used with plural abstract nouns.

For example:

• The board quit amid accusations of a hostile work environment.

What’s the difference between between, among and amid?

Between implies a one-to-one relationship while among implies a collective relationship. Amid, on the other hand, is usually used with mass nouns.

• She quit as CEO amid rumours that the friends she sat between at the gala were among those arrested for blackmail.