PREPOSITIONS.
458. As to the placing of a preposition after its object in certain cases, see Sec. 305.
Between and among.
459. In the primary meaning of between and among there is a sharp distinction, as already seen in Sec. 313; but in Modern English the difference is not so marked.
Between is used most often with two things only, but still it is frequently used in speaking of several objects, some relation or connection between two at a time being implied.
Among is used in the same way as amid (though not with exactly the same meaning), several objects being spoken of in the aggregate, no separation or division by twos being implied.
Examples of the distinctive use of the two words:—
Two things.
The contentions that arise between the parson and the squire.—Addison.
We reckoned the improvements of the art of war among the triumphs of science.—Emerson.
Examples of the looser use of between:—
A number of things.
Natural objects affect us by the laws of that connection which Providence has established between certain motions of bodies.—Burke.
Hence the differences between men in natural endowment are insignificant in comparison with their common wealth.—Emerson.
They maintain a good correspondence between those wealthy societies of men that are divided from one another by seas and oceans.—Addison.
Looking up at its deep-pointed porches and the dark places between their pillars where there were statues once.—Ruskin
What have I, a soldier of the Cross, to do with recollections of war betwixt Christian nations?—Scott.
Two groups or one and a group.
Also between may express relation or connection in speaking of two groups of objects, or one object and a group; as,—
A council of war is going on beside the watch fire, between the three adventurers and the faithful Yeo.—Kingsley.
The great distinction between teachers sacred or literary,—between poets like Herbert and poets like Pope,—between philosophers like Spinoza, Kant, and Coleridge, and philosophers like Locke, Paley, Mackintosh, and Stewart, etc. —Emerson.
460. Certain words are followed by particular prepositions.
Some of these words show by their composition what preposition should follow. Such are absolve, involve, different.
Some of them have, by custom, come to take prepositions not in keeping with the original meaning of the words. Such are derogatory, averse.
Many words take one preposition to express one meaning, and another to convey a different meaning; as, correspond, confer.
And yet others may take several prepositions indifferently to express the same meaning.
List I.: Words with particular prepositions.
461.
