Common Mistakes : Among
Among – Preposition
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BAD: The main purpose of the visit is to develop a closer relationship among the two countries
GOOD: The main purpose of the visit is to develop a closer relationship between the two countries
Use among when you are talking about three or more people or things. For two people or things, use between
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BAD: Try to avoid arousing anger and fear among the children
GOOD: Try to avoid arousing anger and fear in the children
BAD: He is very popular among the people of Japan
GOOD: He is very popular with the people of Japan
Do not use among when the preceding verb/noun/adjective requires a different preposition: e.g. arouse anger in someone
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BAD: Among these problems, the most serious is the excessive growth of the world’s population
GOOD: The most serious of these problems is the excessive growth of the world’s population
When a phrase beginning with among comes at the start of a sentence, it is usually followed by the verb be (NOT by the subject of the sentence): ‘Among her reasons for resigning is the fact that she wants to move back to her home town.’ ‘Among those attending the ceremony were the Sultan of Pahang and his wife.’ Note also that this structure is not common and is used only in formal styles