🧠 TOEIC Trap: Between vs Among

You know the words. TOEIC knows you’ll pick the wrong one.

You’re working through Part 5.
hen you get this sentence:

“The responsibilities were shared ___ the four teams.”

You stop. You’re not sure.
“Between”? “Among”?
They both sound okay… but only one is correct.

Time is running out. You have less than 20 seconds. If you don’t know the rule, it’s just a guess.

Here’s how to make the right choice — every time.

🎯 Why This Trap Works

TOEIC is not testing vocabulary.
It’s testing whether you understand how many people or things are involved — and how they are grouped.

  • Between is used with 2 things or people

  • Among is used with 3 or more things in a group

Both words talk about relationships, sharing, or location. But the grammar depends on the number and structure.

📘 Coaching Breakdown

✅ Use between when:

  • There are 2 people or things

  • Or you are making a clear choice between separate items

✅ I split the bill between Tom and Lisa.
✅ Choose between coffee and tea.
✅ The meeting was between the CEO and the lawyer.

Even if the words are plural, if it’s only two separate sides, “between” is correct.

✅ Use among when:

  • There are 3 or more people or things

  • And they are part of a group, not separated

✅ The prize was shared among the winners.
✅ He walked among the crowd.
✅ There was discussion among the departments.

“Among” means inside the group — not one vs one.

🧠 TOEIC Logic Shortcut

Ask yourself:

→ Are there just two people or things? ✅ Use between
→ Are there three or more, or a group? ✅ Use among

Don’t trust your feeling. Look at the number and the structure.

🧪 Coached TOEIC Questions

1. The responsibilities were divided ___ the four team members.
(A) between
(B) among
(C) across
(D) over

✅ Correct: B
➡ “Four members” = a group → use among

2. She had to choose ___ two candidates.
(A) among
(B) between
(C) from
(D) with

✅ Correct: B
➡ It’s a clear choice between two → use between

3. There was tension ___ marketing and sales.
(A) among
(B) between
(C) across
(D) by

✅ Correct: B
➡ Only two departments → use between

4. The tasks were shared ___ all departments.
(A) between
(B) among
(C) across
(D) during

✅ Correct: B
➡ “All departments” = group = among

📝 Practice Test

1. Profits were split ___ the two investors.
(A) among
(B) between
(C) by
(D) through

2. There was confusion ___ the five teams.
(A) between
(B) among
(C) in
(D) over

3. He walked quietly ___ the group of students.
(A) between
(B) among
(C) through
(D) around

4. The agreement was signed ___ the CEO and the client.
(A) among
(B) between
(C) within
(D) by

✅ Answer Key + Mini-Coaching

  1. ✅ between → Only 2 investors

  2. ✅ among → A group of 5 = among

  3. ✅ among → Moving within a group

  4. ✅ between → 2 people = between

🔁 Final Coaching

This is not about advanced words. It’s about number and group logic.

  • Use between with 2 people or things

  • Use among with 3 or more in a group

When TOEIC gives you this trap — stop, count, and choose with confidence. No more guessing.

SEO FAQ — Between vs Among What is the difference between between and among? Between is used for two things or people. Among is used for three or more in a group. When should I use between in a sentence? Use between when you are referring to exactly two people, things, or choices. When is it correct to use among instead of between? Use among when the subject involves three or more people or things treated as a group. Can I use between for more than two things? Only if the things are clearly separate and distinct. Otherwise, use among. Is “between the departments” correct? Yes, if there are only two departments being compared or discussed. Is “among the departments” correct grammar? Yes, if there are three or more departments and you are talking about them as a group. What comes after between? Usually two nouns or pronouns that are clearly separated. Can I say “between the five students”? No. Use “among the five students” — five is a group, not a pair. Is “among the two” correct? No. “Among” is not used for two. Use “between the two.” What’s a simple trick for between vs among? Count. Two = between. Three or more = among. Does TOEIC test the difference between between and among? Yes. This is a common trap in Part 5 and Part 6 grammar questions. Why do learners confuse between and among? Because both refer to groups or choices, but the grammar depends on number and structure. Can I use among for people? Yes. Among is often used when talking about people in a group. What’s the rule for “between” in TOEIC? Use it when referring to two people, departments, or options. What does “shared between” mean? It means something is divided between two people or sides. What does “shared among” mean? It means something is divided or experienced within a group of three or more. Can between and among both be correct? Only if the sentence changes. Each word needs the right structure to be correct. Is it correct to say “discussion among the teams”? Yes, if there are three or more teams involved. Is “between the company and the client” correct TOEIC grammar? Yes. It shows two parties clearly — so “between” is correct. How do I practice this for TOEIC Part 5? Focus on example questions where number and structure determine the right preposition.