Between and among

Some rules lead us astray. One of those stipulates between two things, among three. This works in the case of division or distribution between two or among various recipients.

The decisions people make about dividing their time among work, family and leisure have numerous implications.

If, however, there are more than two items, but the relationship is between two at a time, then "between" is the appropriate preposition.

Typically, this happens when items are being compared.

Nutrient differences among oat hulls of different varieties

Better to say:

Nutrient differences between oat hulls of different varieties

Here is another example:

Strengthening pathways among secondary schools, post-secondary education and work.

"Among" suggests that the pathways are winding here, there, and everywhere. In fact, the pathways are direct links between school and school, or education and work. The sentence should read:

Strengthening pathways between secondary schools, post-secondary education and work.

Here is another example:

"The success of these centres depends largely on partnerships among communities, businesses, schools and government, to help young people find summer employment," the minister continued.

Again, "among" suggests that the partnerships are scattered everywhere. "Between" is more appropriate since the partnerships are likely between pairs of items.

"The success of these centres depends largely on partnerships between communities, businesses, schools and government, to help young people find summer employment," the minister continued.

Here is a rule of thumb, in the case of more than two items:

Distribution among 
Similarities among 
Differences between 
Links between


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