Are you looking for clarity on the meaning and correct usage of ‘among others’? You’ve come to the right place!
This article will provide you with a precise definition, helpful examples, grammar rules, common misuses, and tips so you can use this expression correctly in your own writing.
Get ready to become an expert on “among others”!
Key Takeaways
- ‘Among Others’ indicates additional items or people being discussed.
- It expresses that something is part of a larger group without listing every item or person.
- ‘Among others’ implies unspecified but significant people or things.
- ‘Among others’ should be used after all items mentioned in the list and is usually followed by a comma.
Definition of "Among Others"
You may have heard the phrase ‘among others’ before, but do you know what it means?
‘Among Others’ is an expression used to indicate that there are additional items or people being discussed besides the ones specifically mentioned.
It could also be used to refer to a group of people which contains the person or object already mentioned.
For example, if someone says they are attending a meeting with their boss ‘among others’, this implies that there are other people in attendance as well.
Alternatively, if someone said they had ‘apples and oranges among others’ at the store, this would mean there were more items than just apples and oranges available for purchase.
Ultimately, ‘among others’ is a convenient way of expressing that something is part of a larger group without having to list out every single item or person involved.
Examples of Correct Usage
Using contextual clues, you can identify the correct usage of words. When using ‘among others,’ it is important to keep in mind that:
- It implies a group of people or things that are not specified but could be, and
- That the group should be of some significance.
For example:
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In a positive light: She was accepted to Harvard, Yale, Stanford, among others.
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In a negative light: He has been arrested for assault and theft, among other crimes.
Grammar Rules for “Among Others"
When using ‘among others,’ it’s important to remember that it implies a group of people or things that are not specified but could be significant. Grammatically, the phrase takes the form of an appositive and is usually followed by a comma.
For example: ‘The professor gave out awards to John, Mary, and Tim, among others.’ Here, you can assume there were other award recipients who were not named.
It can also be used when describing multiple items in a list: ‘She bought oranges, apples, and mangoes, among others.’ This indicates there were more fruits purchased than those explicitly listed.
Additionally, it should only be used when there is actually a larger group implied. For instance, saying “I saw two people at the store” would not require ‘among others.’
To ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing—and avoid confusion—it’s best to stick with these grammar rules whenever using this phrase.
Common Misuses of “Among Others"
It’s common to misuse ‘among others’ when trying to indicate multiple items. Here are some of the most frequent misuses:
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Misusing ‘Among Others’:
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Using it to refer to a group of people, instead of objects or ideas.
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Omitting key words such as "others" and "among" while using the phrase.
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Misplacing ‘Among Others’:
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Placing it at the end of the sentence instead of after all the items mentioned in the list.
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Placing it before a noun instead of after it.
Being aware and avoiding these mistakes can help you communicate accurately and precisely without compromising on understanding.
Tips for Using “Among Others"
To ensure you use ‘among others’ properly, make sure you place it after all items mentioned in the list. Remember that it refers to objects or ideas, not people. When used correctly, this phrase implies that the sentence contains a list of objects or ideas that are not all-inclusive.
It’s important to also avoid using this phrase when only two items are listed. Instead, use ‘the two of them’ or another appropriate phrase. Additionally, for clarity, be sure to include a comma before and after ‘among others.’
Lastly, use caution when using this term with negative connotations. Rather than saying ‘among other things,’ consider using terms like ‘including’ if the context requires a more positive sentiment.
Conclusion
You now understand the meaning and correct usage of "among others." You know to use it when referring to a group of people or things that have been previously mentioned, and not when introducing a new group.
Grammar rules are important for using this phrase correctly, as well as avoiding common misuses.
Remember to be precise and accurate with your language, and you’ll be able to use "among others" correctly in all your written work.
Now go out there and show off your newfound knowledge!