What is among? Pronunciation and usage in English

among means . Learn how to pronounce and use among through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of among

amongpreposition

/əˈmʌŋ/
Definition & pronunciation of among

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "among" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Basic Sound:

  • "a" - as in "father": Say "ah" as you would in the word "father."
  • "mong" - this is the trickiest part: This part sounds like "mon" (rhymes with "gone").

2. The Breakdown & Syllables:

The word "among" is typically pronounced in two syllables:

  • ah-mong (emphasis on the first syllable)

3. Detailed Pronunciation (with sounds):

  • "ah": /ɑː/ (Think of the "a" in "father" or "car.")
  • "mong": /mɒŋ/ (This is where the real nuance comes in)
    • "m": /m/ - as you say in "mother"
    • "o": /ɒ/ - a short, rounded vowel sound, like the "o" in "hot" or "cot." It's a bit deeper and more closed than the "o" in "go." (This is often the biggest stumbling block.)
    • "ŋ": /ŋ/ – This is the "ng" sound. It's made by positioning the back of your tongue against the roof of your mouth, as if you were going to clear your throat. (It's the same sound in words like "singing" or "finger.")

4. Tips for Getting It Right:

  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it pronounced correctly. Here are some resources:

    • Google Search: Search "how to pronounce among" on Google. You'll find audio pronunciations.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/among/ – This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word from different regions.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce among" on YouTube – many videos demonstrate the pronunciation.

  • Practice slowly: Break the word down into its syllables and practice each one separately before putting them together.

  • Focus on the “mon” sound: Really concentrate on getting that “mon” sound right - that short, rounded "o" followed by the "ng" sound.

  • Don't overemphasize the first syllable: While “ah” is the first sound, it’s a relatively light syllable. The “mong” part carries most of the weight.

To summarize: "ah-mong" (with a short, rounded "o" in the "mong" part and the "ng" sound at the end).

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Usage and examples with the word among in English

Let's break down how to use the word "among" in English. It's a slightly trickier word than some others because its meaning is a bit nuanced. Here's a breakdown of its uses, with examples:

1. Indicating Location Within a Group:

This is the most common use. "Among" means within a group or collection of things. It suggests being surrounded by or included with other items.

  • Example: “She felt happy among her friends.” (She was surrounded by her friends.)
  • Example: "The keys were lost among the paperwork." (They were mixed in with the paperwork.)
  • Example: "He studied among the trees.” (He sat and studied in a group of trees.)

2. Indicating Position in a Sequence or List:

"Among" can also show that something is in a particular place relative to a series of others.

  • Example: “He was among the first to arrive.” (He was one of the initial arrivals.)
  • Example: "She’s among the leading candidates." (She’s one of the top contenders.)

3. Expressing a Relationship or Connection:

Sometimes, "among" suggests a connection or association between things.

  • Example: “There was a sense of anxiety among the crowd.” (The anxiety was felt by the people in the crowd.)
  • Example: "There’s a difference among the scientists about this issue.” (Scientists have differing opinions on the issue.)

Key Differences from "In" and "On":

  • "In" usually refers to being contained within a space or group. (e.g., "The book is in the drawer.")
  • "On" often indicates being positioned on a surface or within a group according to a specific categorization. (e.g., "The picture is on the wall." or "He's on the committee.")
  • "Among" suggests being surrounded by or included within a group – a more general sense of belonging.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Don't use "among" when you mean "between." “Between” is used for things that are in the middle of two separate items. (e.g., "The bridge is between the two rivers.”)
  • Don't use "among" when you mean “inside.” Use "in" for something contained within something else. (“The cat is in the box.”)

Here's a table summarizing the uses:

Use Meaning Example
Location Within a group/collection "She was happy among her friends."
Sequence Position in a series “He was among the first to arrive.”
Relationship Connection/Association “There was a sense of anxiety among the crowd.”

Resources for Further Learning:

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Synonyms for the word among

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