Among and Amongst: Definitions, Synonyms, and Usage
Among and Amongst – Definition and Part of Speech
The words “among” and “amongst” are prepositions used to describe being in the middle of or surrounded by a group of people or things. They express the idea of being part of something larger without being specifically singled out.
Grammatical Forms:
- Among/amongst: These are not verbs, nouns, or adjectives but rather prepositions. There are no other grammatical forms associated with “among” or “amongst.”
Core Synonyms
Here is a list of primary synonyms for “among and amongst,” along with their nuances, example sentences, and typical style/register:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Within | Implies being inside a defined boundary or range. | “The secret is well kept within the team.” | Formal, Business |
| In the midst of | Suggests being surrounded by a specific situation or event. | “She found herself in the midst of a bustling marketplace.” | Literary, Creative |
| In company with | Emphasizes being with other individuals. | “He traveled in company with renowned explorers.” | Formal, Academic |
| Intermixed with | Highlights blending or being mixed together with others. | “Her ideas were intermixed with those of her peers.” | Technical, Scholarly |
| Surrounded by | Conveys being encircled or enveloped by something. | “They stood surrounded by fans eager for autographs.” | Informal/Casual |
Usage Notes
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Within: Best used in contexts requiring precision and formality, like business reports or legal documents, where a defined boundary is important.
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In the midst of: Ideal for creative writing, such as novels or poetry, to evoke imagery and convey dynamic scenes.
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In company with: Suitable for formal academic texts when emphasizing collaboration or association.
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Intermixed with: Frequently appears in scholarly articles or technical writing where blending or integration is discussed.
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Surrounded by: Often used in casual speech or journalistic contexts to describe environments or settings vividly.
Common Pitfalls
A common pitfall is confusing “among/amongst” with similar phrases that suggest different relationships. For instance:
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Among/amongst implies being part of a group, whereas between often indicates distinct separation among two items.
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It’s important not to use within where no clear boundary exists; within suggests an enclosed space or range.
Final Recap
In summary, while “among” and “amongst” share identical meanings, their synonyms can carry subtle differences in connotation and usage:
- Use within for precise boundaries.
- Choose in the midst of to convey immersion within a scenario.
- Opt for in company with when highlighting companionship or collaboration.
- Apply intermixed with for discussions about blending or integration.
- Select surrounded by in casual or descriptive narratives.
By understanding these nuances, you can enrich your vocabulary and choose the most appropriate synonym based on context. Try crafting sentences using each of these synonyms to see how they change the tone and clarity of your writing!