between these three

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "between these three" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a choice, comparison, or relationship involving three distinct items or entities. Example: "We need to decide between these three options for our project: the first proposal, the second proposal, and the third proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I can't choose between these three productions.

The Guardian

It's going to be between these three.

The Guardian - Sport

For decades, tensions have been rising between these three places.

Independent

The relation between these three landmasses is not clearly understood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Between these three forms there are many transitional types.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Can you spot the difference between these three chaps?

Independent

"Whatever we say must stay between these three walls," says Q to T. "Nothing uncontrolled.

The Guardian

The final version we've arrived at is a solution that's halfway between these three versions.

The Guardian

But a neo-authoritarian oil régime oscillates between these three positions.

The New Yorker

"It's the first time anyone had an agreement between these three parties on anything," Khalil said.

The New Yorker

So it's between these three, which is shifting all the time, trying to blur the borders between fiction and reality".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "between these three", ensure that you are indeed referring to exactly three distinct entities. Using "among" is more appropriate when referring to a larger, unspecified group.

Common error

Avoid using "between these three" when you are actually referring to more than three items. The preposition "between" is typically used for two items, while "among" is used for three or more. Although "between these three" is considered correct, using "among" can sometimes provide a better, more accurate, sense of the relationship you want to express.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "between these three" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb, noun, or adjective to specify a relationship, comparison, or choice that exists among three distinct entities. As Ludwig examples show, it's frequently used to highlight distinctions, connections, or interactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

38%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "between these three" is grammatically correct and commonly used across a spectrum of writing. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability, highlighting examples from varied sources, from news articles to scientific papers. Although "between" is traditionally used for two items, its usage with 'three' is accepted, especially when referring to three distinctly identified items. The phrase serves to specify a relationship, comparison, or choice among three entities, and is found to be frequent in both scientific and news-related contexts. While "among these three" is a close alternative, the choice depends on whether the emphasis is on individual relationships or the group dynamic. Overall, "between these three" is a versatile and accepted phrase in modern English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

among these three

Replaces "between" with "among", which is often interchangeable when referring to three or more items.

in relation to these three

Focuses on the connection or comparison among the three items, rather than a direct choice.

regarding these three

Shifts the focus to the subject of discussion or consideration, applicable when evaluating the three items.

concerning these three

Similar to "regarding", but may imply a more formal or serious consideration of the three items.

involving these three

Highlights that the three items are participants or elements in a broader situation or context.

considering these three

Implies a deliberate act of thinking about and evaluating the three items.

when comparing these three

Explicitly states the act of comparing the three items, emphasizing the comparative aspect.

with respect to these three

A more formal way of saying "regarding" or "concerning", often used in academic or professional contexts.

as it pertains to these three

Emphasizes the relevance or applicability of something to the three specific items.

in the context of these three

Frames the discussion within the specific scope or framework defined by the three items.

FAQs

How can I use "between these three" in a sentence?

You can use "between these three" to indicate a relationship, comparison, or choice involving three specific items. For example: "The final decision is "between these three" candidates", or "There are key differences "between these three" approaches".

What is the difference between "between these three" and "among these three"?

"Between" is traditionally used for two items, while "among" is used for three or more. However, ""between these three"" is considered grammatically correct, especially when referring to distinct, identified entities, whereas "among" is used with groups. Use "among these three" when you want to emphasize the group dynamic.

Are there situations where "among these" is better than "between these three"?

Yes, "among these three" might be better when the items are not clearly distinct or when emphasizing a collective relationship rather than individual comparisons. If the items are viewed as a cohesive group "among these three" can be considered superior in style to ""between these three"".

What are some alternative ways to phrase a sentence using "between these three"?

Alternatives include "in relation to these three", "regarding these three", or "when comparing these three". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. For a focus on connection use "in relation to these three", for consideration use "regarding these three", for assessment use "when comparing these three".