between groups

USAGE SUMMARY

"between groups" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to groups of people or objects that are distinct from one another and separate from one another. For example, "The researchers hoped to draw interesting comparisons between groups of students from different backgrounds."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

differences between groups.

The New York Times - Books

They then compared test scores between groups.

The Economist

"The president doesn't see any need to distinguish between groups".

The New York Times

Waiters insert it electronically between groups of dishes.

The New York Times - Food

Trends were compared between groups.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Comparisons were performed between groups.

EJNMMI Physics

Fig. 1 Comparison between groups.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

bDifference between groups over time.

Annals of Intensive Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Design: Between-groups design.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Between-groups sum of squares.

Journal of Cheminformatics

bFor between-groups comparison.

Critical Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "between groups", ensure that the context clearly defines the groups being compared to avoid ambiguity. For example, clarify whether you are referring to age groups, treatment groups, or control groups.

Common error

Avoid using "among groups" when referring to comparisons involving only two distinct groups. The preposition "between" is specifically used for comparisons involving two entities, whereas "among" is used when there are three or more.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "between groups" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to modify nouns or verbs by indicating a relationship or comparison involving two or more distinct groups. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows its application in comparing test scores, outcomes, or characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "between groups" is a versatile prepositional phrase that is grammatically correct and very common in written English. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to denote comparisons or relationships involving two or more distinct groups. The primary contexts of usage are science and news & media, with a neutral to formal register. Key considerations for its use include ensuring clarity in defining the groups being compared and using "between" only when referring to two groups, versus "among" for three or more. Common alternatives include "among groups", "comparing groups", and "across groups". The authoritative sources for its usage are diverse, spanning scientific journals and major news outlets. Be mindful that while often found in academic/scientific environments, the phrasing is relevant across multiple registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

among groups

Slightly more formal; "among" is used when referring to more than two groups.

comparing groups

Focuses on the act of comparing rather than the space between.

across groups

"Across" suggests a broader scope of comparison or interaction.

in different groups

Emphasizes the existence of differences within separate groups.

between subgroups

More specific, referring to divisions within larger groups.

in contrasting groups

Highlights the differences that are being compared.

between categories

Uses "categories" instead of "groups" implying a classification based distinction.

in various groups

Implies a variety of groups being considered.

among cohorts

More formal and specific to groups sharing a statistical or demographic trait.

comparing sets

Uses "sets" instead of "groups", suitable in a mathematical or abstract context.

FAQs

How do I use "between groups" in a sentence?

Use "between groups" to indicate a comparison or relationship involving two or more distinct groups. For example, "The study examined the differences "between groups" in terms of academic performance."

What are some alternatives to saying "between groups"?

You can use alternatives like "among groups" (when there are more than two groups), "comparing groups", or "across groups" depending on the context.

When should I use "between" vs. "among"?

"Between" is used when referring to two distinct groups or entities, while "among" is used when referring to three or more. For instance, "the difference between the two groups" vs. "the difference among the various groups".

Is it correct to say "difference between groups" or "difference among groups"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "difference "between groups"" is appropriate when comparing two groups, while "difference "among groups"" is used for three or more groups.