What is the Difference Between Among and Amid?

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The difference between "among" and "amid" lies in their usage and the types of nouns they are used with. Here are the key differences:

  • Among:
  • Used with plural, countable nouns.
  • Refers to being surrounded by or in the midst of things, people, or objects.
  • Examples: The cottage was hidden among the trees, He was a sheep among wolves, She lived many years among yogis.
  • Amid:
  • Used with uncountable or mass nouns.
  • Refers to being in or into the middle of, surrounded by, during, with the accompaniment of, or against the background of a condition or situation.
  • Examples: The treetops were visible amid the darkness, They prospered amid a time of peace.

In summary, "among" is typically used with countable nouns and refers to being surrounded by or in the midst of things, while "amid" is used with uncountable or mass nouns and refers to being in or surrounded by a condition or situation.

Comparative Table: Among vs Amid

The difference between "amid" and "among" lies in their usage with nouns. Here is a table comparing their meanings and usage:

Among Amid
Usage: Surrounded by countable, plural nouns Usage: Surrounded by uncountable, mass nouns
Examples include objects and people Examples include conditions and situations
The preposition "among" is more commonly used than "amid" The preposition "amid" is less commonly used than "among"

For instance, "He is known among his friends as a bookworm", while "The company collapsed amid allegations of fraud". "Amid" is often followed by uncountable, mass nouns, whereas "among" is followed by countable, plural nouns.