Between vs. among

No, we can't use 'between' for more than two things in question; we should use among for more than two things in picture.

Thank you very much, karansardana. That was really helpful.

karansardanaNo, we can't use 'between' for more than two things in question; we should use among for more than two things in picture.

Not quite; this rule seems quite specious. In fact, you should use between whenever you're talking about easily identifiable, distinct items.

So it should be ...between choices A, B and C.

or

Thanks, Ivanhr, for your input on this.

1. Would you say, then, that 'among' should not be used with distinct items, therefore it is wrong in my sentence and would be wrong in your examples?

2. When should we use 'between' or 'among' when the items involved are more than two? Kindly give an example for each. Thank you.

The difference between 'among' and 'between' is mostly whether you know the number of items or not. That is, when you have a specific number in mind you'd better use 'between', and when you do not you'd better use 'among'. I will examplify this to you so as to understand easily.
E.g. 1): I am between Ahmed and Jane. (specefic number 2)

E.g. 2): The cat is lost among th

1. Yes, you're right.

2.

a) I had to choose between Yale, Princeton and Harvard.

b) I had to choose among different universities.

Thank you, Hassan and Ivanhr, for your helpful responses.

Ivanhr2.
a) I had to choose between Yale, Princeton and Harvard.
b) I had to choose among different universities.

3. When you said 'distinct' items for 'between', did you mean clearly specified or identified separate two or more items?
4. If so, I would say 'among' in b

Anonymouseg. Which is the right answer between choices A, B, and C?

Also, can I rephrase my original sentence to the following?

Which is the right answer between the different choices?

Is 'between' above correct since in my mind, I already know the distinct choices, which are A, B, and C?.

3. yes

4. yes

5. It's possible even though I'd interpret it as "between the two universities". "Among the universities" would mean more than just two.

Hi Ivanhr,

Anonymouseg. Which is the right answer between choices A, B, and C?

Can we also rephrase this example to as follows?

Which is the right answer between the different choices?

Is 'between' above correct since in the speaker's mind, he already knows the different distinct choices, which are A, B, and C?

T