US and UK English
among vs amongst
Regional usage, spelling, and examples
Among and amongst mean the same thing. Among is more common worldwide; amongst occurs more often in British English and can sound traditional or literary.
Regional decision guide
Choose neutral among or marked amongst
Grammar does not require the final S and T. The decision is regional and stylistic.
United States and international English
among
Neutral default
Among is natural in conversation and formal writing in every region.
She divided the work among four teams.
United Kingdom
among or amongst
British alternative
Amongst remains common, especially in formal or literary phrasing.
The cottage stood amongst tall trees.
Direct answer
What is the difference?
Both prepositions describe being in, surrounded by, or distributed within a group. Among is the neutral choice in every major variety and dominates American usage. Amongst is also standard, particularly in British English, but may add a formal, old-fashioned, or stylistic tone. It ends with an audible /st/ cluster.
Optional listening · American English
Compare the regional pronunciation
Switch between American and British English, then hear natural, careful, and slow reference samples for every term.
Word 1
among
preposition
In, surrounded by, or distributed within a group of people or things.
US pronunciation
/əˈmʌŋ/
UK IPA
/əˈmʌŋ/
Hear three samples
How to pronounce it
Keep the first vowel weak, stress MUNG, and finish with the nasal sound at the end of “sing.”
Word 2
amongst
preposition
A variant of among, especially common in British English.
US pronunciation
/əˈmʌŋst/
UK IPA
/əˈmʌŋst/
Hear three samples
How to pronounce it
Say among, then close with S and T. Keep the final three-consonant cluster compact but audible.
Listen in context
6 example sentences
Context makes meaning, grammar, and natural rhythm easier to understand. Every sentence has its own playback.
Examples with
among
- The news spread quickly among the staff.
- Choose one option from among the finalists.
- She felt comfortable among old friends.
Examples with
amongst
- The decision caused debate amongst members.
- Wildflowers grew amongst the stones.
- He found the note amongst the old papers.
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