All three words—among, amongst, and between—are generally acceptable in standard English. However, "among" is more common in American English, and "amongst" may be considered slightly more formal or archaic.
All three words—among, amongst, and between—are generally accepted and used in standard English. However, there are some preferences and nuances to consider:
1. Among" and "Between":
- "Among" is typically used when referring to more than two items or people.
- "Between" is usually used when referring to two items or people.
Example:
- "The book is among the papers on the desk."
- "The discussion was between Alice and Bob."
2. "Among" vs. "Amongst":
- In American English, "among" is more commonly used.
- In British English, both "among" and "amongst" are used, but "among" is generally preferred in formal writing.
Example:
- American English: "They shared the candies among the children."
- British English: "They shared the candies amongst the children."
While all three terms are generally acceptable, using "among" and "between" according to the guidelines mentioned is considered more standard. "Amongst" might be perceived as slightly more formal or archaic, and its usage varies based on regional preferences.