prepositions - "Difference between" multiple choices (vs. "among")





“between” vs “among”



I learned that "between" refers to two objects or concepts and "among" refers to three or more. However, in situations when I am asking about distinctions, it seems correct to say, for example, "What is the difference between a horse, a zebra, and a mule?" as opposed to saying, "What is the difference among a horse, a zebra, and a mule?"


What is the rule for questions like this about the "differences between" several things?



Answer



I was taught:




  • Use between when you're talking about individual items -- even if there are more than two of them: "She was stuck between a Rock, a Hard Place, and a Hard Rock Cafe."

  • Use among when you're talking about things that aren't distinct: "Dissension and dissatisfaction spread among the followers of Binky."



Grammar Girl must have had the same teacher.


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