among the four

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "among the four" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is part of a group of four things or people. For example: "Among the four candidates, Sarah stood out as the most qualified for the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Among the four retardants, en-AlOOH-S is the best.

Electrochimica Acta

No systematic differences were found among the four base descriptors.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Mean specific PFC emissions vary significantly among the four technologies.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Troubled, searching conversations take shape among the four instruments.

The Washington Post

Among the four, Slocum is the longest shot, ranked 124th.

The New York Times - Sports

White's book was not even among the four runners-up.

The New Yorker

Others among the four holdout senators were less forthcoming.

The New York Times

The outbreak has strained relations among the four Mercosur members.

The New York Times

Besides, among the four techniques, ENCC showed the best performance.

Displays

Among the four, Davidson, a 14, owns the lowest seed.

The New York Times - Sports

Community responses to general noise annoyance among the four base descriptors were compared.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "among the four" when you are comparing or contrasting options within a specific group of four items or entities. Ensure that the context clearly defines what these four are.

Common error

Avoid using "between the four" instead of "among the four". "Between" is typically used for two items, while "among" is used for three or more. Using "between" with four items is grammatically incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "among the four" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a selection, comparison, or distinction within a group of four elements. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, from scientific studies to news reports, indicating its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

34%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "among the four" is a grammatically sound and versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate a selection, comparison, or contrast within a defined set of four items. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various contexts, including scientific, news, and academic writing. Its frequency is considered very common, and it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. The phrase follows standard grammar rules as confirmed by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of the four

Focuses on selecting one or more items from a set of four.

from the four

Similar to 'out of', but can also imply origin or source.

of the four

Indicates a part or aspect related to the group of four.

in the group of four

More explicitly specifies the group being considered.

within the four

Implies containment or location inside a group of four.

considering the four

Shifts focus to an evaluation or thought process about the four.

when comparing the four

Highlights the comparison aspect of the group.

regarding the four

More formal way to indicate the subject is the four items.

in relation to the four

Suggests an analysis of how something connects to the four.

as concerns the four

A more emphatic and formal way of introducing the four items as the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "among the four" in a sentence?

You can use "among the four" to compare or contrast items within a group of four. For example, "Among the four options, the first one is the most viable".

What phrases can I use instead of "among the four"?

Alternatives include "out of the four", "from the four", or "of the four" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "between the four" instead of "among the four"?

No, it is generally incorrect. "Between" is used when referring to two items, while "among" is used for three or more. Therefore, the correct phrase is "among the four".

When should I use "among the four" instead of other similar phrases?

Use "among the four" when you want to specifically emphasize that you are considering options within a group of exactly four items or entities. Other phrases may be more general or imply a different number.