Between or Among 2

[mscallisto]

Between you, me and the fence post" is a popular American saying, but should it be "Among you, me and the fence post"?

 

[mscallisto]

Hmmm....I rather like gatepost, sounds more dignified.

Perhaps my original question should have focused more on whether "me and the gatepost" are considered as one or two entities?

I believe there are three entities, thus "amoung" should be the appropriate form.

My problem is "amoung" simply doesn't sound right.

 

[CajunCenturion]

Actually mscallisto, whether it be the fencepost or the gatepost, 'between' is still correct.

Regardless of the number, when you're dealing with distinct items, (me, you, and the ...post -- all distinct items), 'between' may be used. Contrast that with another common phrase in the same genre (although no longer politically correct), 'among us girls'. Among is proper here because 'us girls' is not distinct.

Good Luck
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[UniqueFD]

I know the thread became slightly disjointed by the sideline 'passive/active' issue, but I thought the reference Stella found in Yourdictionary.com clarified this point - namely:

When more than two entities are involved, however, or when the number of entities is unspecified, the choice of one or the other word depends on the intended sense. Between is used when the entities are considered as distinct individuals; among, when they are considered as a mass or collectivity.

Therefore, as you, me and the gate/fence-post are separate entities, between is acceptable, is it not?

Tony
___________________________________________________
Reckless words pierce like a sword,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing (Solomon)

 

[Stella740pl]

Anyone who would like to continue the discussion on passive vs. active voice, please use thread1256-1069471 I started for this purpose.