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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Vocabulary

Amongst

I need some help in understanding a sentence. The sentence is:

"...i have found that the offer of a reward would very soon

set the greedy cat amongst the criminal pigeon."

I don't understand how can the cat be among one pigeon. (and I'm sure it's just one piegon)

Thanks.
  

Top answer

Of course it's used figuratively. They're neither cats nor pigeons, so why can't the singular represent the group? It may be true that one cat could do serious damage to multiple pigeons, but I think the author has more than one greedy person in mind.

— Avangi

  • Of course it's used figuratively.
  • They're neither cats nor pigeons, so why can't the singular represent the group?
  • It may be true that one cat could do serious damage to multiple pigeons, but I think the author has more than one greedy person in mind.
  • There are plenty of images in which a singular actor figuratively represents a group.
  • I just can't think of one at the moment!
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3 Answers
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Of course it's used figuratively. They're neither cats nor pigeons, so why can't the singular represent the group?

It may be true that one cat could do serious damage to multiple pigeons, but I think the author has more than one greedy person in mind.

There are plenty of images in which a singular actor figuratively represents a group. I just can't think of one at the moment!
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But can you use "amongst" for one thing?

Don't you have to be "amongst a group" even if it's figuratively?
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AnonymousBut can you use "amongst" for one thing?
Don't you have to be "amongst a group" even if it's figuratively? True, but when you say, "Amongst the group," "group" is a singular noun.

Amongst the elite.
Amongst the poor.

Granted, you see people when you use these expressions.

You have a good point. I'm trying to think of
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