(Text-only version of Word Wizards)

Match Wits With Our Word Wizards

Stuck in the Middle

—amid, among, amidst, amongst, between, midst—

From each set, make the best choice for contemporary American writing:

1. I have to choose (among/between) Amy and Debbie.
2. I woke up (amid/amidst/between) an army of ants.
3. I found calm (amidst/in the midst of) that storm.
4. He said that he didn’t want to be counted (amid/ among/amongst/between) the lily-livered cowards.
5. (Among/Between/Midst) you and me, I wouldn’t take her car if she paid me.
6. Am I going to be sent to live (amid/amidst/ among/amongst/between) the grammatical philistines?
7. Usually, I like to take my tea (amid/amidst/ among/amongst) the roses.
8. Now and then, I like to take tea in the (amid/ amidst/midst) of a construction project.
9. The fast-paced interactions (among/amongst/ between the panel members kept everyone in the audience interested.

For an explanation of amid, among, amidst, amongst, between, and midst, see Quirks of English.

Skip Navigational Links

[Privacy Policy and Important Notices]

Responsible NASA Official: Sue.E.Butts@nasa.gov, Glenn Technical Publications Manager
Web Curator: Caroline.A.Rist@nasa.gov (Wyle)

Last updated: 1/20/2009