two among them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "two among them" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific number of items or individuals within a larger group. Example: "There were several candidates for the position, and two among them stood out due to their impressive qualifications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Two among them were crushed by the rubble.

The New York Times

There might have been an agent or two among them.

The Guardian - Opinion

A rounded pot with a fat turned-over lip, it is elaborately painted in blue and white biomorphic shapes with a face or two among them.

The New York Times - Arts

Two among them are Mr. Bernstein's co-branding partners, Kenny Roger's Roasters and Miami Subs, both of which were acquired by Nathan's Famous several years ago.

The New York Times

Two among them: the hedge fund billionaire Steven A. Cohen and Douglas S. Cramer, the producer of television hits like "The Love Boat" and "Dynasty".

The New York Times - Arts

You see the latter in the evening, moving in groups, with skateboards, dreads, and bedrolls, a pit bull or two among them, heading toward the setting sun and the "sandominiums" that spring up on the beachfront after dark.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Stasi selected nineteen members, among them three Muslims, three Jews, and six women.

The New Yorker

Narmada Devi, 45, a housewife from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, was one among them.

The New York Times

One among them, however, she did love for his very own self: Philip Rahv.

The New Yorker

Shakti, 22, who described himself as "a student of religion," was one among them.

The New York Times

In Baga, the soldiers went for reinforcements after one among them was killed, residents said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "two among them" to clearly specify that you are referring to a specific number within a larger, already identified group. This phrasing adds a level of precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "two among them" if the larger group hasn't been clearly defined or mentioned previously. Ensure the reader knows exactly who or what 'them' refers to, otherwise, use "two of them" or clarify the group first.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "two among them" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, specifying that a subset of two items or individuals is being considered from a larger, already identified group. Ludwig's examples show it in various contexts, always referring to a specific selection.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "two among them" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to specify a selection of two items or individuals from a larger group that has already been defined. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriateness. While "two of them" is a simpler and more common alternative, "two among them" offers greater clarity by emphasizing the relationship to the larger group. It's most frequently found in news and scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two of them

More direct and common way to express the same idea.

two within that group

Specifies the location of the two within a defined group.

two from the group

Highlights the selection process from a specific group.

two individuals among them

More formal and emphasizes the individual nature.

two from that set

Highlights that the selection is from a pre-defined set.

a couple of them

Informal way to indicate a small number from a larger group.

among them, a pair

Emphasizes the pair selected from the group.

two in that number

Focuses on the quantity and selection.

a few of them

Indicates an unspecified small number from the group.

of those, a duo

Suggests a closer relationship or partnership between the two.

FAQs

How can I use "two among them" in a sentence?

You can use "two among them" to specify two items or individuals from a larger group that has already been mentioned. For example, "Several candidates applied for the job; "two among them" had exceptional qualifications."

What's a simpler way to say "two among them"?

A simpler and more common alternative is "two of them". It conveys the same meaning without being overly formal.

Is it ever better to say "two among them" instead of "two of them"?

Yes, "two among them" can be preferable when you want to emphasize that the two are part of a specific, already identified group. It provides slightly more context than simply saying "two of them".

How does "two among them" compare to "a couple of them"?

"A couple of them" is a more informal way to express a similar idea, suggesting a small number without being as precise as "two". "Two among them" is more specific and formal.