among the three

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "among the three" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when talking about a group of three distinct items or people. For example, "I chose the blue shirt among the three options."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are differences among the three budgets.

The Washington Post

But he was among the three remanded.

The Guardian

One was our friendship among the three founders of Airbnb.

Harvard University

The award rotates among the three major areas in SHASS.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Results highlight differences and similarities among the three fuels tested.

Combustion and Flame

This sample has the lowest crystallinity among the three samples.

Polymer

Among the three victims were two adults and a child.

The New York Times

Still, the bickering among the three has a yesteryear.

The New York Times - Books

None of them showed significant differences among the three groups.

Nature

Vaccinations ranked among the three most popular story topics.

The Washington Post

Significant differences do exist among the three investments.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "among the three", ensure that the context clearly defines or identifies the three entities being discussed. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "between" instead of "among" when referring to three or more items. While "between" is acceptable in some cases with three items, "among" is generally preferred when discussing relationships involving more than two distinct items or entities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "among the three" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, indicating a relationship or distribution involving three distinct entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. The examples show its use in contexts of comparison, selection, and differentiation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "among the three" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to denote relationships, comparisons, or distributions within a specific set of three. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. Its frequent appearance in diverse contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Academia underscores its neutrality and utility in formal and informal communications.

Key considerations for effective usage include ensuring clarity in defining the three entities involved and avoiding confusion with similar phrases like "between the three", which is technically more appropriate for only two entities. As evidenced by the provided examples, "among the three" serves to focus discussions, analyses, and assessments by clearly delimiting the scope to a trio, offering both precision and ease of comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

between the three

Uses "between" instead of "among", subtly shifting focus to a pairwise relationship, though commonly used interchangeably in this context.

in the group of three

More explicitly states the grouping, adding emphasis.

of the three

A more concise way of indicating selection, possession, or relationship within the three.

out of the three

Implies a choice or proportion relative to the total of three.

from the three

Indicates a selection or origin point within a group of three.

in the trio

Replaces "three" with "trio", which emphasizes the group as a unit.

within the three

Suggests a location or scope that is internal to the group of three.

concerning the three

Shifts focus to the subject matter related to the three.

regarding the three

Similar to "concerning", but with a slightly more formal tone.

as to the three

Introduces a topic that is related to the three.

FAQs

How do you use "among the three" in a sentence?

The phrase "among the three" is used to indicate a relationship, distribution, or comparison involving three distinct items or entities. For example, "The differences "among the three" options were significant."

What is a suitable alternative to "among the three"?

Alternatives include "between the three" (though typically used for two), "out of the three", or "in the trio". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. Consider "between the three" or "out of the three".

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

While traditionally "between" is used for two items, it's increasingly accepted for three, especially in informal contexts. However, "among" remains the more grammatically precise choice when referring to three or more distinct items. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase ""among the three"" is grammatically correct.

What does "among the three" imply in a comparison?

In a comparison, "among the three" suggests that there are notable distinctions or relationships that can be observed or contrasted across the three items being considered. It indicates a focus on collective assessment rather than just a pair-wise comparison.