Among or Amoung: Which Spelling is Correct?

Author:

Waqas Ashraf

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Among or Amoung: Which Spelling is Correct? Are you often confused between “among” and “amoung”?

The correct spelling makes a difference in your writing. Let’s clear up the confusion and determine which spelling is actually correct.

Among or Amoung:

The correct spelling is “among”.

While “amoung” might appear in some older texts or informal contexts, it is considered an archaic and incorrect spelling in modern English.

Here’s a breakdown:

“Among” is widely recognized as the standard and preferred spelling in all forms of English, both American and British.
“Amoung” is an outdated variant that is no longer considered correct in formal writing or usage.

Among or Amongst:

Feature	Among	Amongst
Meaning	Surrounded by or in the midst of several things	Surrounded by or in the midst of several things
Grammatical function	Preposition	Preposition
Correctness	Standard and preferred spelling	Archaic and incorrect spelling
Formality	More common and acceptable in both formal and informal contexts	Less common and considered more formal or archaic
Origin	Old English	Middle English
Usage	Widely used in all forms of English (American and British)	Primarily found in older texts or formal writing for a specific stylistic effect
Example	“The child hid among the toys.”	“The knight rode amongst his men.” (archaic)

How Do You Spell Among in English?

You spell “among” in English as “among”. This is the standard and preferred spelling in both American and British English.

While you might encounter the spelling “amongst” in older texts or formal writing, it’s considered archaic and incorrect in modern English.

How Do You Use Among Correctly?

Here’s how to use “among” correctly:

Function:

“Among” is a preposition used to indicate that something is surrounded by or in the midst of several things.

Number of Things:

You can use “among” with any number of things, whether two, three, or more.

Examples:

Correct: “The student sat among her classmates.”
Correct: “There wasn’t much unity among the council members.”
Correct: “The treasure was hidden among the rocks on the beach.”

How Do We Use Among in A Sentence?

Here are some examples of how to use “among” in a sentence:

The house is nestled among the trees.
The lost cat might be hiding among the furniture.

The prize money will be divided among the winners.
The teacher shared the cookies among the students.
She is considered among the best artists of her generation.

The movie was a hit among both critics and audiences.

Is Among Them Correct?

“Among them” is correct and widely used in English grammar. It functions primarily in two ways:

To introduce a list of specific items within a larger group:

Example: “The class field trip included visits to various historical sites, among them the museum and the old fort.”

To emphasize the inclusion of specific entities within a group:

Example: “Many talented artists contributed to the project, among them Sarah Jones and David Lee.”

Is Among a Formal Word?

“Among” is not considered an overly formal word. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Here’s a breakdown:

Formal contexts: “Among” is perfectly acceptable and commonly used in formal writing, including academic essays, research papers, and business communication. Its neutrality and clarity make it suitable for conveying information in a professional manner.

Differences Between Among and Amoung:

Spelling:

“Among” is the correct spelling in American English.
“Amoung” is not a recognized word in any standard dictionaries.

Meaning:

“Among” is used to indicate being a part of a group or surrounded by things.

“Amoung” does not have a defined meaning due to its incorrect spelling.

Usage:

Use “among” when referring to distribution within a group or choice between items.
Avoid using “amoung” as it is considered a misspelling and may confuse readers.

Common Mistakes with Among and Amoung

Incorrect Spelling: One of the most common mistakes is using “amoung” instead of “among.” Remember, the correct spelling is always “among.”
Pronunciation Confusion: Some people might pronounce both words similarly, leading to confusion in spelling.
Lack of Awareness: Not being aware of the correct usage can result in consistent misspelling of these words.

Regional Differences: In some regions or dialects, there may be variations in how these words are pronounced, leading to incorrect spellings.
Educational Background: Differences in educational backgrounds or exposure to written language may contribute to individuals making mistakes with these terms.

What Can I Use Instead of Among?

Context	Alternative(s)	Example Sentence
Location	in the midst of, surrounded by, amidst	She walked in the midst of the crowd.
Relationships	amongst (formal), between (two things), with	There is a strong sense of community with the residents.
Distribution	between, among, amongst	The prize money will be divided between the winners.
Comparison	amongst (formal), among the best, one of the best	She is considered one of the best artists of her generation.
Other	within, including, also	Several new features were introduced within the latest software update.

Can Among Be Used for Two?

While technically “among” can be used with two, it’s not the most natural or preferred choice in most cases.

Here’s why:

Implied Lack of Distinction:

“Among” usually implies a lack of distinction between the things it refers to, suggesting they are considered as a group rather than individually. When dealing with only two things, it might not be the most accurate representation, as they are inherently distinct.

“between” as A Clearer Option:

The preposition “between” is specifically used to indicate the relationship or interaction between two distinct entities. It directly conveys the intended meaning in situations involving only two things.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts!

It is evident that the correct spelling is “among” and not “amoung.”

Understanding this distinction is crucial in maintaining proper grammar and language usage. Consistently using the correct spelling will enhance clarity and credibility in your writing.

Remember to pay attention to details like these to ensure effective communication in all written content.