Difference Between Among and Amongst

Among vs Amongst
Prepositions are used to link nouns and pronouns to other words called objects within a sentence. Among and amongst are the most common prepositions used in the English language. As far as the meaning is concerned, there is no difference between the two words, and very often the two are used interchangeably. “Amongst” is used more in the UK and Australia in American English, while “Among” is used more in the U.S in British English. Some people believe that `amongst’ is rather old fashioned and should not be used.

`Amongst’, when used, should come at the beginning of sentences. For example: amongst the people. When it comes in the middle of the sentence, it should be used before words beginning with vowels. For example: He is amongst the top trainers. The sentence with a weak vowel is strengthened by using amongst. For example: ‘The yellow roses were amongst all of the others.’ It sounds better than ‘The yellow roses were among all of the others’. Amongst is mostly used in a dramatic, poetic context etc. Whereas among is often followed by a singular collective noun, in case the noun is the name of a substance. For example: among the straw. It is commonly used with the plural objects of the preposition such as: among the dozens of people; among the causes etc. It is also used with each other or one another. For example: they agreed among themselves.

Among has gained popularity over amongst in last few decades may be due to its shorter version, brevity or space constraints with print media in U.S. Some of the examples in which among is preferred more than amongst are like (a) in the midst of: she decided to dwell among the Indians, (b) in the group, class, or number of: She is among the top teachers (c) to each of: the chocolates should be divided among the students (d) with one another within a group: sort it out among yourselves. Whereas on the other hand amongst can also be used likewise (a) in shares or parts to each person (in a group etc) Divide the cake amongst you. (b) In the company of; in association with: traveling amongst a group of tourists. (c) By many or the entire number of; with many: a custom popular among the Portuguese.

Summary:

1.’Among’ is more frequent in American English whereas ‘amongst’ occurs more often in British English.
2.Amongst is mostly used in a dramatic or poetic context whereas among is commonly used with the plural objects of the preposition.
3.Among is more popular in U.S. whereas amongst in U.K.

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