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