among themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "among themselves" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a group of people is interacting or communicating with each other. Example: "The children played among themselves while the adults chatted nearby."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Insiders fight among themselves.

The Economist

They murmured among themselves.

The New York Times

"They market among themselves".

The New York Times

Conservatives disagree among themselves.

The Economist

They discussed it among themselves".

The New York Times

Families often disagree among themselves.

The New York Times

Communication among themselves is difficult.

The New Yorker

The police talked among themselves.

The New Yorker

They shouted among themselves.

The Washington Post

They talk among themselves.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The kids talked among themselves.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "among themselves" to clearly indicate that an action, discussion, or agreement is confined to a specific group of people. It adds specificity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "between themselves" when you want to emphasize a group dynamic. "Between themselves" is more appropriate for interactions involving only two parties, while "among themselves" describes interactions within a larger group.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "among themselves" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a verb or a noun, indicating the sphere or scope of an action or interaction. It highlights that the activity is confined within a particular group. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "among themselves" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate internal interactions within a group. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. Its prevalence across diverse contexts, including news, academic writing, and scientific publications, underscores its utility in clearly defining the scope of actions and discussions. While "between themselves" serves a similar purpose, it is more appropriate when referring to interactions between only two parties. For variety, alternatives like "with each other" or "within the group" can be used, although "among themselves" remains a precise and frequently employed choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amongst themselves

A less common, slightly more formal variant of the original phrase.

between themselves

Focuses on the individual relationships within the group rather than the group as a whole.

with each other

A more general term indicating mutual action or relationship.

within the group

A more direct way to specify location, focusing on interactions that remain internal to the group.

within their group

Emphasizes the boundaries of the group in which the interaction is taking place.

in their own circle

Suggests a close-knit group or community.

in their community

Highlights the communal aspect, suggesting shared interests and values.

within their ranks

Implies a hierarchical or organized structure.

in their own company

Emphasizes mutual enjoyment or shared activity within a group.

in private

Highlights the non-public nature of interactions; can also be used when discussing a group's actions.

FAQs

How can I use "among themselves" in a sentence?

You can use "among themselves" to indicate that a group is interacting or communicating internally. For example, "The team members discussed the strategy "among themselves" before presenting it to the manager."

What's the difference between "among themselves" and "between themselves"?

"Among themselves" is used when referring to three or more people, while "between themselves" is used when referring to two people or entities. For example, "The siblings divided the inheritance "between themselves"" (two siblings) versus "The committee members debated the issue "among themselves"" (more than two members).

What are some alternatives to "among themselves"?

Some alternatives to "among themselves" include "with each other", "within the group", or "in their own circle", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it correct to say "amongst themselves" instead of "among themselves"?

Yes, "amongst themselves" is a grammatically correct alternative to "among themselves". "Amongst" is simply a more formal or archaic variant of "among" and can be used interchangeably in most contexts, although "among" is generally more common in modern usage.