Difference between among and between

[GUGA]

Test No. errors/inter-2 "Between the lines", question 1

There are clear differences among the two pictures if you take the trouble to look very closely.

(a) There are
(b) among
(c) the trouble
(d) closely

Test No. errors/inter-2 "Between the lines", answer 1

There are clear differences between the two pictures if you take the trouble to look very closely.

Correct entry: between
The error was: (b) among
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Do I just use among when I have more than two things?

GUGA

[Alan]

Hi GUGA,

Absolutely right! Used as in: among the crowd (of people) -among my memories - among the things I like and so on.

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Maria80]

Hello everyone!

I have one more question about difference between between and among.
I knew that between is for 2 things while among has to be used if I am referring to more than 2 things but what about this then:

"The main difference between the news services of radio, television and newspapers is to to do with the very immediacy of receiving the news item."

It is an extract from CAE 5, examinations papers from university of cabridge esol examinations.

Thank you!

:wink:

[Alan]

Hi,

'Between' here is being used to make a contrast or a distinction which wouldn't work with 'among'.

Alan
_________________
English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story Progressive Forms

[Maria80]

thank you very much!

so between compared to among has a little bit stronger emphasize than among as far as contrasts and distinctions are concerned, hasn' it?

[Alan]

Yes, but remember we are talking about its figurative sense. In the literal sense the difference is perhaps clearer as in:

The market is situated between the station and the church.

Among the books you can see on this market stall you will find examples of novels from the 19th century.

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Passive Voice

[Maria80]

Thank You very much!
now it is far clearer!

Goddbye!
maria

[JazzVess]

Hello,
in this context, isn't it more correct to use 'take the time' in stead of 'take the trouble'?

[Alan]

Hi,

Both expressions are acceptable. 'Take the time' or 'Find the time' to do something suggests that you set aside a period of time to do something. 'Take the trouble' to do something suggests be bothered or concerned to do something.

Alan
_________________
English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story Prepositions

[Marbetu]

Hello
I'd appreciate some help with this AMONG/BETWEEN problem below. I'd say "among"..... my friend says it is "between".

Several networks in a number of regions have been strengthened in order to improve information diffusion and dynamize cooperation AMONG/BETWEEN institutions, NGOs and communication professionals.

many thanks in advance
wonderful site !!!! bravo!!!

[Alan]

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Hi,

'Among' and 'between' used as prepositions referring to positions have the distinction of 'among' suggesting situated within a group of more than two and 'between' being usually reserved for a situation concerning just two. In other words that difference tends to apply more to a literal position. In your sentence above I think you could use either because you are using a preposition in a figurative sense. My preference would be for 'between', which strengthens the idea of co-operation. 'Among' in that sentence conveys a more general/looser co=operation.

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Make or Do?

[Marbetu]

Aha, I see. I understand that too now. thanks a million!!
Marbetu