Between and Among

The error made with the prepositions "between" and "among" is a frequent, but easily correctable, one. First, Ms. Picky will offer an explanation of what is correct, and then she will tell you why it is correct. The explanation will serve as a mnemonic device.

Rule:

Between is properly used when there are two objects involved.

Examples:

The choice is between Proposition A and Proposition B.

This conversation is just between you and me.

Rule:

Among is properly used when more than two objects are involved.

Examples:

We will share it among the three of us.

Belgium, alone among the nations, objected to the resolution.

Mnemonic Device:

Now, as promised, here is the reason for differentiating between among and between. The word "between" comes to us from Old English usage, being derived from  the phrase "by twain" (and "twain" of course means two, as in "never the twain shall meet"). Voilà!


Next Week's Post: Fewer and Less