Which Is More Common: "Among" or "Amongst"?

You might have noticed two similar words in your everyday conversations or writings: “among” and “amongst.” 

At first, they may seem the same. But they are not used in the exact same way.

This can leave many of us wondering: Which one is more common? 

Is there a rule to know when to use one over the other? You’re not alone in this confusion. 

Both words mean the same thing. But people use them in different situations. This depends on formality, region, and style.

In this piece of writing, we’ll learn the differences between "among" and "amongst" to help clear up these confused words. 

Let’s explore their meanings, uses, and how to choose the right one.

What does "among" mean?

“Among” is a preposition. It is one of the most common words in the English language. 

It refers to being in the middle of or surrounded by other things or people. 

It can also mean "with" or "in the company of." It may also mean "shared between."

It’s a simple word that is used often in both spoken and written English.

“Among” is especially popular in everyday language. 

Whether you’re talking about people, objects, or places, this word is the go-to option. 

It doesn’t matter whether you’re in the US, the UK, or elsewhere, “among” is used in the same way. 

For example, if you say, “She was among friends,” it simply means that she was with her friends. 

Similarly, “He stood among the trees” means that he was surrounded by trees.

In formal and informal writing alike, “among” can express the idea of being in the midst of something. 

You’ll find it used in both casual conversations and professional settings. 

The word is very neutral, and it doesn't sound too formal or too relaxed.

Also, "among" can be used to indicate that something is divided between more than two things or people. 

For example, “The doughnuts were shared among the kids” means that the doughnuts were distributed to each of the children. 

If you're talking about a group of friends or sharing something with many people, use "among."

What does "amongst" mean?

“Amongst” is a word that is often used in a very similar way to “among,” but it is considered slightly more formal or old-fashioned. 

Just like “among,” it means “in the middle of” or “surrounded by,” and it has the same functions and uses. 

However, “amongst” tends to be used less frequently in modern English, especially in casual conversations.

This word is particularly common in British English. 

If you’re familiar with the way English is spoken and written in the UK, you’ve probably come across “amongst” more often than in the US. 

In fact, “amongst” is still preferred in many formal contexts like literature, poetry, and even some legal documents. 

It’s often seen as a more refined version of “among.”

Some people might argue that “amongst” sounds a little too formal. 

But in reality, it all comes down to personal preference and the tone you want to convey. 

Whether you are writing a speech, a poem, or even a novel, “amongst” can add an elegant touch to your writing. 

But it might not fit well in everyday conversation.

If you want to correct your sentences, use our AI sentence rewriter to make sure the proper use of these confusing words.

Interestingly, “amongst” also appears in certain idiomatic phrases, like “amongst the crowd” or “amongst the ruins.” 

Writers often use it to create a traditional or poetic style. But don't worry if you haven't seen it before.

The word “amongst” doesn’t necessarily carry a sense of being incorrect; it simply has a slightly different vibe compared to “among.”

When to use "among" or "amongst"

So, when should you choose “among” over “amongst,” or vice versa? In most cases, "among" will do the job. 

It's the more commonly used word, both in speech and writing sentences. It's simple, versatile, and understood by everyone, no matter where you are.

Use “among” for everyday situations. 

It works well in casual conversations, emails writing, work-related messages, and most types of sentence writing. 

To write these sentences correctly, you should use an online sentence creator. This tool will help you form sentences with the proper use of words.

Whether you’re talking about sharing something or being in the middle of a group, “among” is your go-to choice.

On the other hand, “amongst” is best for more formal settings. 

If you're writing a poem, drama, or something where a slightly more refined tone is needed, then “amongst” might be the right word. 

It also works in specific British English contexts. 

However, it’s always good to check if your audience prefers “amongst” or not.

In short, “among” is great for most situations. “Amongst” is appropriate when you want to sound more formal, and it works especially well in British English. 

Major difference between "among" and "amongst"

Now, what’s the key difference between “among” and “amongst”? 

The main distinction comes down to style and formality. 

Both words mean the same thing. 

They can be used in nearly identical ways in terms of meaning, but “among” is the simpler, more widely used version. 

It's less formal, neutral, and tends to be favored in everyday situations.

“Amongst,” on the other hand, is often used for more sophisticated, formal, or even poetic contexts. 

It is still quite common in British English, but it’s considered a bit old-fashioned by some. 

While “among” feels casual and conversational, “amongst” can give a sense of formality. 

You might find “amongst” in classic novels or dramatic works, but it’s not typically used in casual speech today, especially in American English.

The difference is little but important. 

If you want your writing to sound more modern and approachable, stick with “among.” 

If you want to add a touch of formality, poetry, or tradition, “amongst” can be a good option.

Also, make sure to check the grammar of your writing to find any grammar errors and make your writing clear and readable. 

While both words can be correct, using the right one for the right context can make your writing more effective.

Examples of "among" vs. "amongst" in sentences

Now, let’s look at some examples of both “among” and “amongst” in action.

Examples with "among":

• She was among the trees in the forest.
• They shared the toys among themselves.
• I couldn’t choose among the many delicious dishes.
• Among the crowd, I found my best friend.
• Among the chaos, they managed to stay calm.

Examples with "amongst":

• She sat quietly amongst the flowers.
• He was well known amongst the top chefs in the city.
• They whispered amongst themselves about the surprise.
• Amongst all the noise, I could barely hear the music.
• The decision was made amongst the committee members.

Summing up

To wrap it up, “among” and “amongst” are both correct, and their meanings are nearly identical. 

“Among” is more common and used in daily conversations and writing. “Amongst” is more formal. It appears more in British English, poetry, or sophisticated writing.

There is no strict rule about which one to use, but generally, you’ll want to go with “among” for casual writing and conversations. 

However, if you’re aiming for a more elegant or formal tone, “amongst” might be the perfect fit. 

Ultimately, the choice is yours, but understanding the difference will help you make the right choice for every situation.