Among vs. Amongst

Attribute	Among	Amongst
Definition	Preposition used to indicate being a part of a group or surrounded by something	Alternative spelling of "among"
Usage	Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts	Less commonly used, often considered more formal or archaic
Etymology	Derived from Old English "on gemang" meaning "in a crowd"	Derived from Middle English "amonges" meaning "in the company of"
Frequency	More frequently used in modern English	Less frequently used in modern English
Context	Can be used in various contexts, such as describing relationships or locations	Often used in more formal or literary contexts

Introduction

Among and amongst are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they do have subtle differences in their usage and meaning. Both words are prepositions that indicate being surrounded by or in the midst of something. In this article, we will explore the attributes of among and amongst, examining their definitions, origins, usage, and examples to gain a better understanding of when and how to use each word correctly.

Definition and Origins

Among and amongst are both prepositions that indicate being surrounded by or in the midst of something. However, among is more commonly used in modern English, while amongst is considered archaic or formal. The word "among" originated from the Old English word "ongemang," which means "in a crowd" or "in the company of." On the other hand, "amongst" is derived from the Middle English word "amonges," which is a combination of "among" and the Old English suffix "-es," indicating a plural form.

Usage

Among and amongst are used to express the idea of being surrounded by or in the middle of a group or objects. However, among is more commonly used in American English, while amongst is more prevalent in British English. Both words can be used interchangeably in most cases, but there are some subtle differences in their usage.

Examples

Let's explore some examples to illustrate the usage of among and amongst:

• She stood among the crowd, trying to catch a glimpse of the performer.
• The book was hidden amongst the pile of papers on the desk.
• He found himself among friends who shared his passion for music.
• The treasure was buried deep amongst the rocks and sand.
• They walked among the ancient ruins, marveling at the history surrounding them.

Context and Formality

Amongst is often considered more formal or archaic compared to among. It is commonly used in formal writing, literature, or when a speaker wants to add a touch of elegance or old-fashioned charm to their language. Among, on the other hand, is the preferred choice in everyday conversation and informal writing. It is important to consider the context and formality of your writing or speech when deciding whether to use among or amongst.

Regional Differences

As mentioned earlier, among is more commonly used in American English, while amongst is more prevalent in British English. However, this is not a strict rule, and both words are understood and accepted in both dialects. It is worth noting that among is used more frequently in American English, while amongst is used more sparingly.

Idiomatic Expressions

Both among and amongst are used in various idiomatic expressions, adding depth and nuance to the English language. Here are a few examples:

• He was among the first to arrive at the party.
• They found themselves amongst a sea of unfamiliar faces.
• She stood out among her peers due to her exceptional talent.
• They were discussing the matter among themselves.
• He was chosen from among many qualified candidates.

Conclusion

In conclusion, among and amongst are prepositions that convey the idea of being surrounded by or in the midst of something. While among is more commonly used in modern English, amongst is considered archaic or formal. Both words can be used interchangeably in most cases, but amongst is more prevalent in British English and adds a touch of formality or elegance to the language. It is important to consider the context, formality, and regional differences when deciding which word to use. By understanding the attributes and nuances of among and amongst, we can enhance our language skills and communicate more effectively.