amongst

USAGE SUMMARY

"amongst" is correct and usable in written English.
It is primarily used in formal or literary contexts, and is usually considered to be interchangeable with "among". For example, "The guest of honor was amongst the crowd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I can tell you what recorded history says, I can tell you what the Bible says, but I think that's a dispute amongst theologians and I think it has nothing to do with the gross domestic product or economic growth of the United States.

The New York Times

It would be cheaper and more humane to allow asylum seekers to live in the community amongst us.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet spreading its responsibilities amongst un-named agencies hardly inspires confidence that water management won't become a political football again.

The Guardian - Opinion

What's more, the psychological trauma that accompanies the act usually makes it difficult for girls to concentrate at school, has accounted for a good number of school dropouts amongst teenage girls.

The Guardian

Stray dogs scavenge in amongst the streets and drunk men sit slumped together under an old tree.

The Guardian

The businessman later returned to the air to apologise, but the comments have fuelled outrage amongst many AFL fans.

The Guardian - Sport

I believe this is a prevalent view amongst Rangers stakeholders who are now demanding full transparency about the funding of the acquisition of the club, its current financial status and, most importantly, the way forward.

The Guardian - Sport

Gittins is amongst the latest cohort to join the National Graduate Development Programme (NGDP) for local government which is now in its 11th year.

The Guardian

Since the 1997 general election there have been around 200 Fabian MPs in the Commons, amongst whom number nearly the entire cabinet, including Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Robin Cook, Jack Straw, David Blunkett and Clare Short.

The Guardian

The attacks would culminate "with myself detonating a belt of explosives amongst the kuffar", he wrote.

The Guardian

Jones's latest piece (How Tracey Emin found place amongst the greats, 4 April) is an extraordinary eulogy of the latest work of Tracey Emin, with particular reference to that tired old bed.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "amongst" is grammatically correct, prefer the simpler and more common form "among" in most contemporary writing contexts for clarity and conciseness.

Common error

Avoid using "amongst" in casual or informal writing. Using it where "among" would suffice can make your writing sound unnecessarily stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "amongst" is that of a preposition. As a preposition, it introduces a phrase indicating that something is included or situated within a group of people or things. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "amongst" is a grammatically sound preposition that signifies inclusion within a group. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Though interchangeable with "among", it leans towards more formal or literary contexts, while "among" is favored in contemporary usage. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, the choice between the two is often stylistic. Remember to prioritize clarity and conciseness in your writing by considering "among" as the default choice in most situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

among

This is the more common and modern alternative; less formal than "amongst".

amid

Similar to "amongst", but slightly more literary and less frequently used.

in the midst of

Emphasizes being surrounded by something, often implying a chaotic or busy environment.

surrounded by

Focuses on the concept of being enclosed or encircled by something.

within a group of

Highlights the presence inside a defined set of people or things.

in the company of

Implies being together with others, often in a social context.

in the middle of

Suggests a central position relative to surrounding elements.

in the thick of

Indicates deep involvement or immersion in an activity or situation.

as part of

Emphasizes the inclusion within a larger entity or collective.

in the ranks of

Suggests a position within a structured or hierarchical group.

FAQs

Is "amongst" interchangeable with "among"?

Yes, "amongst" is generally interchangeable with "among", but "among" is more common in modern English. Consider using "among" for a more contemporary style.

When should I use "amongst" instead of "among"?

"Amongst" is appropriate in formal or literary contexts. However, in most everyday writing, "among" is preferred. The choice is often a matter of stylistic preference.

What are some alternatives to "amongst"?

Alternatives to "amongst" include "amid", "in the midst of", or "surrounded by", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

How can I use "amongst" correctly in a sentence?

Use "amongst" to indicate being included or situated within a group. For example, "The missing keys were found amongst the clutter." It functions as a preposition indicating a relationship between items.