between countries

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "between countries" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about relationships between two different nations. For example, "The relations between countries often evolve over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Standards vary between countries.

The Economist

Costs differ between countries, too.

The Economist

Superficially, there are big differences between countries.

The Economist

CARBON emissions vary hugely between countries.

The Economist

But there are big differences between countries.

The Economist

Rules for mergers differ considerably between countries.

The Economist

Comparisons between countries are not wholly reliable.

The Economist

They sealed alliances between countries or families.

The Guardian - Books

The inequalities between countries are stark.

The Guardian

"There cannot be walls between countries".

The New York Times

For cheap coach travel between countries, try Megabus and Eurolines.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing agreements or treaties, use "between countries" to clearly indicate that the agreement is among multiple nations.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "between countries" with "among countries". "Between" is typically used when referring to two entities, while "among" is used for three or more. Although "between" can be used for more than two when each is being distinctly considered, "among" is safer for general use with multiple countries.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "between countries" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying nouns or verbs to indicate a relationship, comparison, or interaction involving multiple nations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "between countries" is a grammatically sound and versatile prepositional phrase used to describe relationships or interactions involving multiple nations. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is widely accepted and frequently used across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While generally neutral in register, its precise meaning can vary based on the surrounding context. Consider alternatives like "among nations" or "across national borders" to add nuance to your writing and ensure accuracy by considering the distinctions in meaning. Remember that while "between" can be used when individually considering each country, "among" is generally preferred when referring to a collective of countries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

among nations

Replaces "countries" with "nations", suggesting a more formal or political context.

in international relations

Focuses on the diplomatic and political interactions between countries.

across national borders

Highlights the crossing of boundaries that separate countries.

on a global scale

Shifts the focus to a worldwide perspective, encompassing many countries.

in the world community

Emphasizes the interconnectedness and shared interests of nations.

connecting nations

Focuses on what brings countries together.

in different nations

Highlights the differences that exist in different countries.

in the international arena

Suggests a focus on political and economic interactions at the global level.

on the world stage

Implies a context of global attention and significance.

globally

Concise way to state that a situation occurs in every country.

FAQs

How can I use "between countries" in a sentence?

You can use "between countries" to describe relationships, comparisons, or interactions involving multiple nations. For example, "Trade agreements "between countries" can boost economic growth."

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

While both phrases refer to multiple countries, "between" is typically used when referring to two entities or when emphasizing individual relationships, whereas "among" is used for three or more entities collectively.

Are there other phrases similar to "between countries"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "among nations", "across national borders", or "in international relations" depending on the specific context.

Is "between countries" formal or informal?

"Between countries" is a neutral and widely accepted phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness largely depends on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.