Amid or Amidst? Which One Is Correct?

In English, we often encounter words that seem to mean the same thing but have subtle differences in usage or style. Two such words are amid and amidst. Both words are prepositions that are used to describe something happening in the middle of or during something else. But which one is correct? Is one more formal than the other? Does it depend on the context or region?

In this article, we’ll explore the differences (and similarities) between amid and amidst, provide examples of their usage, and offer guidance on when and where to use each word. We’ll also include practice questions with answers to help reinforce your understanding of the topic.

The Definitions of Amid and Amidst

Before we dive into the differences between amid and amidst, let’s clarify their definitions.

Definition of Amid:

Amid is a preposition that means “in the middle of” or “surrounded by.”
It is used to describe something happening during a particular event or situation, often one that is chaotic, emotional, or busy.

Definition of Amidst:

Amidst has the same definition as amid and can also be used to mean “in the middle of” or “surrounded by.”

It is simply a variant of amid, often used in more poetic or literary contexts.

In essence, amid and amidst are synonyms—they mean the same thing and can often be used interchangeably. However, there are subtle differences in their usage, style, and frequency that are worth exploring.

The Differences Between Amid and Amidst

While amid and amidst share the same meaning, they differ slightly in terms of formality, usage, and regional preference.

1. Formality and Style

Amid:
Amid is the more common and modern of the two words. It is used frequently in everyday writing and speech, and it fits well in both formal and informal contexts. Because of its simplicity, amid is the preferred choice in most contemporary writing, especially in journalism, academic writing, and business communication.
Example:
The company announced layoffs amid declining profits.
Amidst:
Amidst is considered a slightly more old-fashioned or poetic word. It is often used in literary writing, historical texts, or when trying to evoke a more formal or dramatic tone. While it is not incorrect to use amidst, it is less common in modern usage, especially in American English.

Example:
Amidst the chaos of the battle, the general remained calm.

2. Regional Differences

American English:
In the United States, amid is far more common than amidst. In fact, many American writers and speakers rarely use amidst, unless they are aiming for a particular tone or style, such as in creative writing or when quoting historical texts.
Example (American English):
The president delivered the speech amid growing concerns about the economy.

British English:
In British English, both amid and amidst are used, though amid is still more frequent. However, amidst may appear more often in formal or literary contexts in the U.K. than it does in the U.S.
Example (British English):
The village lay quiet amidst the rolling hills of the countryside.

3. Tone and Context

Amid:
Amid tends to create a straightforward, neutral tone. It’s used frequently in news reports, business communication, and everyday conversation. Because of its simplicity, amid doesn’t carry as much emotional weight or poetic flair as amidst.

Example (Neutral/Business):
The company thrived amid fierce competition.
Amidst:
Amidst carries a slightly more dramatic or formal tone. It can evoke a sense of being “in the thick of things” and is often used in more descriptive or emotional writing.
Example (Dramatic/Poetic):
Amidst the storm, they found a moment of peace.

Quick Summary:

Amid: More common, modern, and neutral. Suitable for all contexts (formal and informal). Preferred in American English.
Amidst: Slightly more formal, poetic, and old-fashioned. More common in British English and literary writing.

Examples of Amid and Amidst in Sentences

Here are several examples to show how amid and amidst can be used in different contexts.

Examples of Amid:

The CEO resigned amid allegations of corruption.
The team continued to work hard amid the challenges.
The city was quiet amid the early morning fog.

In these examples, amid is used to describe something happening during or in the middle of a specific situation. The tone is neutral and straightforward.

Examples of Amidst:

Amidst all the chaos, she remained composed and focused.
The castle stood tall amidst the rolling hills of Scotland.

Amidst the confusion of the evacuation, many families were separated.

In these examples, amidst is used to convey a more dramatic or descriptive tone. The word creates a sense of being surrounded by or caught in the middle of something, and the context feels more emotional or literary.

When to Use Amid vs. Amidst

1. In Formal or Neutral Writing

If you are writing a report, essay, or news article, amid is almost always the better choice. It is more modern and professional, and it fits well in formal contexts without sounding too dramatic.

Example (News Article):
The government issued new safety guidelines amid rising COVID-19 cases.
Example (Academic Writing):
Amid the ongoing debate, several researchers have proposed new solutions.

2. In Literary or Poetic Writing

If you are writing a novel, poem, or trying to create a more dramatic or emotional tone, amidst can be a good choice. It lends a sense of formality or poetic flair that amid might not convey as strongly.

Example (Literature):
Amidst the falling leaves, they walked hand in hand, savoring the last days of autumn.
Example (Poetry):
Amidst the stars, her dreams took flight.

3. When in Doubt, Use Amid

If you’re unsure whether to use amid or amidst, it’s usually safer to go with amid. Amid is more versatile, widely used, and appropriate in most contexts. It also avoids the potential for sounding overly formal or dramatic, which amidst can sometimes do.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Using Amidst in Modern, Informal Writing

While amidst isn’t incorrect, it can sound out of place in modern or informal writing, especially in American English. If you’re writing a casual email, text, or conversation, stick with amid to avoid sounding too formal.

Incorrect:
Amidst all the noise, I couldn’t hear the phone ringing.
Correct:
Amid all the noise, I couldn’t hear the phone ringing.

2. Overusing Amidst for Dramatic Effect

While amidst can create a more dramatic tone, overusing it can make your writing sound overly formal or even pretentious. Use amidst sparingly in literary contexts or when you specifically want to evoke a more poetic tone.

Incorrect:
Amidst the busy streets, amidst the noise, amidst the people, she felt lost.
Correct:
Amid the busy streets and noise, she felt lost.

Practice Questions

Let’s test your understanding of amid versus amidst with some practice questions.

Question 1:

Which sentence is correct?

a) The announcement came amidst growing concerns about the new policy.

b) The announcement came amid growing concerns about the new policy.

Answer:
b) The announcement came amid growing concerns about the new policy.

Explanation: Amid is the preferred form in modern, neutral writing, especially in a business or formal context like discussing a new policy.

Question 2:

Fill in the blank with the correct word:

The old house stood __ the tall trees, hidden from view.

Answer:
The old house stood amidst the tall trees, hidden from view.

Explanation: Amidst works well here because the sentence has a more descriptive, poetic tone, making amidst a better fit.

Question 3:

True or False:
Amidst is more commonly used in American English than amid.

Answer:
False.

Explanation: In American English, amid is more commonly used. Amidst is less frequent, especially in informal or modern writing.

Question 4:

Which sentence is more appropriate for formal writing?

a) The company faced challenges amidst the economic downturn.

b) The company faced challenges amid the economic downturn.

Answer:
b) The company faced challenges amid the economic downturn.

Explanation: Amid is the better choice for formal writing, as it is more modern and neutral.

Question 5:

Fill in the blank:

Amidst the chaos of the storm, they found shelter __ the rocks.

Answer:
Amidst the chaos of the storm, they found shelter amid the rocks.

Explanation: Using amidst for the more dramatic part of the sentence and amid for the neutral description creates a balanced tone.

Conclusion

Both amid and amidst are correct, but they differ in style, frequency, and formality. Amid is more common, modern, and neutral, making it the preferred choice in most writing, especially in American English. Amidst is more poetic and formal, often used in literary or descriptive contexts, and more frequently found in British English.

When in doubt, it’s safest to use amid, as it fits well across various contexts without sounding overly dramatic or old-fashioned. By understanding the nuances between these two words, you can choose the one that best suits the tone and style of your writing.