Among vs. Within — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 30, 2024
"Among" is used to denote a relationship involving more than two elements in a group, while "within" indicates something happening inside a set boundary.
Difference Between Among and Within
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Among" is used when referring to relationships or distributions involving three or more entities, emphasizing a collective or shared aspect. On the other hand, "within" is used to express something occurring inside spatial, temporal, or conceptual limits, focusing on boundaries and containment.
When discussing spatial relationships, "among" might be used to describe an object positioned in relation to several others scattered throughout an area, such as "the cafe is hidden among the trees." Whereas "within" would describe something enclosed by a clear boundary, like "the cafe is within the park."
In the context of time, "among" isn't typically used, as it does not pertain to temporal boundaries. "Within," however, is often used to specify time limits, as in "the project must be completed within three months," indicating a deadline that confines the action.
"Among" also serves to describe figurative inclusion, such as being part of a group or an array of options, e.g., "she had to choose among five universities." In contrast, "within" can describe scopes or ranges of abilities, like "the solution lies within your capabilities," suggesting that the ability to solve is confined within one's existing skills.
In terms of usage in writing and speech, "among" is more about interrelationships or distributed elements within a group, whereas "within" more strictly confines or encloses the subject or action to a specific parameter or context.
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Comparison Chart
Basic Use
Involvement or connection with three or more items
Occurrence inside a defined boundary or limit
Example (Space)
Hidden among the trees
Located within the park
Example (Time)
Not applicable for time
Must be completed within a deadline
Figurative Use
Choosing among several options
Capability lies within one’s reach
Relationships
Distributive, shared among many
Contained, enclosed within limits
Compare with Definitions
Among
Used to represent inclusion in a group or collective.
Among the guests was a renowned author.
Within
Denotes occurrence within a fixed period of time.
The contract must be signed within ten days.
Among
Used to show a relationship or presence in the middle of a group.
She sat quietly among her colleagues.
Within
Implies containment or being enclosed.
They worked within the confines of a small room.
Among
Implies being part of a larger number.
The issue was discussed among the committee members.
Within
Indicates limitation or range.
The temperature remained within acceptable limits.
Among
Used to indicate a choice or differentiation within a group.
Among these options, his choice was unusual.
Within
Used to denote something internal, within a framework or system.
Within the context of the law, his actions were justified.
Among
Reflects a sense of being surrounded by or mixed with.
Lost among the crowd, she couldn't find her friend.
Within
Used to express something occurring inside a spatial boundary.
The treasure was found within the old mansion.
Among
Situated more or less centrally in relation to (several other things)
You're among friends
Flowers hidden among the roots of the trees
Within
Not exceeding the fixed limits of; not beyond
Lived within her income.
Among
Being a member or members of (a larger set)
Snakes are among the animals most feared by man
A British woman was among the 54 victims of the disaster
Within
In or into the inner part; inside
"restaurants and wine houses jammed along the earthen streets ... banners flapping to announce the delights within" (Nicole Mones).
Among
Occurring in or shared by (some members of a group or community)
Members of the government bickered among themselves
A drop in tooth decay among children
Within
Inside the mind, heart, or soul; inwardly
The fear that lies within.
Among
Indicating a division, choice, or differentiation involving three or more participants
The State Council would elect a temporary president from among its members
The old king called the three princesses to divide his kingdom among them
Within
In the inner part or parts of; inside
The streets within the city.
Resentment seething within him.
Among
In the midst of; surrounded by
A pine tree among cedars.
Within
Not exceeding the limits or extent of in distance or time
Got within ten miles of home.
Stayed within earshot.
Arrived within two days.
Among
In the group, number, or class of
She is among the wealthy.
Within
In the scope or sphere of
Acted within the law.
Within the medical profession.
Among
In the company of; in association with
Traveling among a group of tourists.
Within
Used to indicate a range to be covered or an amount necessary before something can happen
The team has pulled to within three points and can tie the game with a field goal.
Among
By many or the entire number of; with many
A custom popular among the Greeks.
Within
An inner position, place, or area
Treachery from within.
Among
By the joint action of
Among us, we will finish the job.
Within
In the inner part, spatially; physically inside.
Within her studio
Among
With portions to each of
Distribute this among you.
Within
In the scope or range of.
Within his hearing;
Her within five seconds of breaking the record;
Within an inch of falling overboard
Among
With or against one another
Don't fight among yourselves. See Usage Note at between.
Within
Before the specified duration ends.
Leave here within three days.
Among
Denotes a mingling or intermixing with distinct or separable objects. (See Usage Note at amidst.)
How can you speak with authority about their customs when you have never lived among them?
Within
In or into the interior; inside.
Among
Denotes a belonging of a person or a thing to a group.
He is among the few who completely understand the subject.
Within
(legal) In the context of which the present document or ruling is made.
The within appeal
Among
Denotes a sharing of a common feature in a group.
Lactose intolerance is common among people of Asian heritage.
Within
In the inner or interior part of; inside of; not without; as, within doors.
O, unhappy youth!Come not within these doors; within this roofThe enemy of all your graces lives.
Till this be cured by religion, it is as impossible for a man to be happy - that is, pleased and contented within himself - as it is for a sick man to be at ease.
Among
Mixed or mingled; surrounded by.
They heard,And from his presence hid themselves amongThe thickest trees.
Within
In the limits or compass of; not further in length than; as, within five miles; not longer in time than; as, within an hour; not exceeding in quantity; as, expenses kept within one's income.
Within these five hours lived Lord Hastings,Untainted, unexamined, free, at liberty.
Among
Conjoined, or associated with, or making part of the number of; in the number or class of.
Blessed art thou among women.
Within
Hence, inside the limits, reach, or influence of; not going outside of; not beyond, overstepping, exceeding, or the like.
Both he and she are still within my power.
Within himselfThe danger lies, yet lies within his power.
Were every action concluded within itself, and drew no consequence after it, we should, undoubtedly, never err in our choice of good.
Among
Expressing a relation of dispersion, distribution, etc.; also, a relation of reciprocal action.
What news among the merchants?
Human sacrifices were practiced among them.
Divide that gold amongst you.
Whether they quarreled among themselves, or with their neighbors.
Within
In the inner part; inwardly; internally.
Ills from within thy reason must prevent.
Within
In the house; in doors; as, the master is within.
Within
On the inside;
Inside, the car is a mess
Common Curiosities
Can "among" be used for two items?
No, "among" is typically used when referring to three or more items.
Is "within" used only in spatial contexts?
No, "within" can be used in spatial, temporal, and figurative contexts.
What is the main difference between "among" and "within"?
"Among" describes a position or relation in a larger group, while "within" indicates being inside or enclosed by boundaries.
How do I decide whether to use "among" or "within" in a sentence?
Use "among" to discuss elements in a group and "within" to indicate something inside boundaries.
Can "among" be used when referring to a group of people?
Yes, "among" is often used to indicate a relationship or distribution within a group of people, such as "She is popular among her peers."
What is the difference in usage between "among" and "between"?
"Among" is used for indistinct or collective relationships involving three or more entities, while "between" is typically used for distinct relationships involving exactly two entities.
Can "within" be used to describe a scope of knowledge?
Yes, "within" can describe the scope or extent of something, including knowledge, e.g., "This topic falls within his area of expertise."
Can "within" imply any sort of limitation besides physical boundaries?
Yes, "within" can also imply limitations in capabilities, time, or ranges.
Is "within" appropriate for describing emotional boundaries?
Yes, "within" can be used to discuss emotional or psychological boundaries, as in "He keeps his feelings within himself."
Is it grammatically correct to use "among" with only two options if the options are complex?
While traditionally "among" is used with three or more, it can occasionally be stylistically acceptable with two complex groups or categories.
Is there a preferred usage of "among" and "within" in British vs. American English?
Both terms are used similarly in British and American English with no significant differences in their application or meaning.
What are some common mistakes in using "among" and "within"?
A common mistake is using "among" when referring to spatial relationships that have clear boundaries (where "within" should be used) or using "within" in the context of choosing between options (where "among" is more appropriate).
Can "within" be used in legal contexts?
Yes, "within" is often used in legal contexts to refer to actions or conditions confined by legal boundaries, such as "within the jurisdiction of the court."
How does "among" function in a sentence grammatically?
"Among" functions as a preposition, setting up a relationship between its object and the rest of the sentence.
Does "within" have a temporal application?
Yes, "within" is frequently used to define time constraints or deadlines, such as "Please reply within 24 hours."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
