We (Edith Hope Fine and Judith Josephson) are the Grammar Patrol. Both of us taught for years and are now writers, with thirty plus books between us, including our two popular grammar guides, Nitty-Gritty Grammar and More Nitty-Gritty Grammar. For close to twenty years, we taught writing and grammar basics and now we blog about grammar for writers.
Spring House Cleaning—Easy Mix-Ups
Time to dust off your grammar and mop up those bloopers. Here’s another baker’s dozen of easily confused word pairs.
1. AMONG, BETWEEN
Conventional wisdom used to call for using the preposition “between” with two, and using the preposition “among” with more than two.
• Jake forced me to choose between Brussels sprouts and cauliflower.
• Jake forced me to choose among Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli.
This rule is relaxing, but do use “between” in one-to-one or direct relationships. Hint: Use “and,” not “or,” to connect the two words:
• He juggles a balancing act between work and family.
Use “among” when the relationship is less specific, broader.
• Among the many descendents of Johann Sebastian Bach, four became musicians.
“Don’t use “amongst” or “whilst” unless you are writing a period piece.
2. BOTH, EACH
The words “both” and “each” can be used as adjectives or pronouns.
Use “both” when it applies to two words.
• Both Steve Jobs and Donald Duck liked bow ties.
Use “each” as an adjective when it applies to one word.
• Each Rose Bowl float is unique.
3. BRING, TAKE
Use a “come, go” analogy to help remember these two. “Come” is like “bring.” “Go” is like “take.” Is the action coming toward you?” If so, use “bring.” If the action is away from you, use “take.”
• Please bring me this hot cocoa. (Come to me with the cocoa.)
• Take toilet paper to the outhouse. (Go re-supply the outhouse.)
