student asking question

It is my first time to see the word "between" is used with 3 different things to compare. Then, can I say "among" instead? What is the difference between "among" and "between"?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Excellent question. A lot of people think that "between" is used for two items and "among" for three or more. But that isn't completely accurate. "Between" should be used when you are naming distinct, individual items. "Among" should be used when the items are part of a group, or are not specifically named. In the clip she has named 3 specific things that she will be discussing in the video, therefore she has to use "between". Ex: There is a rift between my friends Jane, Lucas and Dan. Ex: There is a rift among my friends. Ex: I'm trying to decide between the skirt, the dress and the trousers. Ex: I'm trying to decide among all these clothes.

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