This phrase is a helpful expression that makes writing clearer without listing everything. When I first began learning English, I found phrases like “among others” confusing- did it emphasize key things or hide details? I later realized this phrase brings clarity and polish to your message. It fits into sentences smoothly, allowing you to mention a few items while implying more, without sounding clunky. This phrase is especially helpful for learners aiming to improve expression quality and fluency.
Saying, “She has collaborated with NASA, Tesla, and IBM, among others,” made me sound more professional. It keeps sentences concise while including multiple examples. For anyone learning English, mastering this phrase adds natural flow and elegance to writing. It’s a simple yet powerful way to upgrade how you communicate.
“Among others” appears often in writing and speech, but how many people truly understand its nuance, placement, and common pitfalls? Expect clear examples, real-life cases, and practical tips to make this phrase your writing ally.
Phrase “Among Others”
When writers say “among others,” they mean “included in a broader group.” It subtly hints at other unstated possibilities. You’ll spot it in lists (“She invited John, Lisa, among others”) or to soften claims (“He wrote novels, among others, thrillers and romances”). It’s flexible, and nuanced, and can elevate your tone.
- In speech, it signals inclusion.
- In writing, it adds finesse and precision.
- Used right, it saves space and maintains fluidity.
Definition and True Meaning of “Among Others”
Among is a preposition meaning “in the middle of.” Others refer to “remaining people/objects not mentioned.” Put together, “among others,” says, “this is one example- there are more.”
Use cases:
- Professional tone: “She mentors startups, among others.” (Implying there are more clients.)
- Casual tone: “He likes sci-fi and fantasy, among others.”
- Academic tone: “The study analyzed pollution, wildlife decline, among others, water quality.”
Notice how it subtly leaves room for the reader to fill in the blanks. That’s the soft power of this phrase.
Origin and Evolution of the Phrase
Though the exact origin is unclear, the components- among others– stem from Old English and Middle English:
- Among his Germanic roots (Old English on gemang).
- Others evolved from ōðer, meaning “the second or remaining.”
Early uses appeared in medieval texts, though not always as a phrase. Over the centuries, it merged into a stylish rhetorical tool, especially in legal and academic writing. Today, it’s firmly in everyday vocabulary.
Grammar and Structure Rules of “Among Others”
- Prepositional phrase: It acts like an adjective or adverb.
- Always plural: Don’t say “among other” by itself; if you do, it must precede a noun (e.g., “among other things”).
- Tense-neutral: It works in past, present, and future statements.
- Tone: Acceptable in formal and informal writing alike- but use it sparingly in very casual chats.
| Element | Rule | Example |
| Preposition | “Among” links to the plural “others” | She listed books, among others, mystery. |
| Plural only | “Others” can’t be singular | ❌ Not: “among others.” |
| Placement | Flexible within the sentence | Start, middle, or end placements all work |
How and Where to Use “Among Others” in a Sentence
Placement
- Beginning: “Among others, she studied jazz and modern art.”
- Middle: “She, among others, spoke at the panel.”
- End: “She spoke at the panel, among others.”
Each position shifts emphasis:
- Beginning: sets context early.
- Middle: adds parenthetical clarity.
- End: rounds off the thought.
Real-Life Examples
| Placement | Example Sentence |
| Beginning | “Among others, the CEO highlighted sustainability goals.” |
| Middle | “The recipe features garlic, among others, to boost flavor.” |
| End | “She paints landscapes and urban scenes, among others.” |
Punctuation and Clarity: Commas with “Among Others”
Comma use depends on phrasing. When using, among others, as a parenthetical aside, enclose it in commas:
“She attended the awards, among others, last night.”
But if it’s essential to the meaning, commas aren’t needed:
“She mentors startups, among others.”
This suggests “startups” is one of several things,s mentored, comma-less, and slightly ambiguous.
Style guide notes:
- AP Style: Typically requires commas for clarity.
- Chicago & Oxford: Allow flexibility depending on context and meaning.
Real-World Examples in Context
Case Study: News Article
From The Guardian:
“The study focused on urban air and water quality, among others.”
Here it appears parenthetically, signaling there were multiple focus areas.
Business Communication
In an annual report:
“Our clients include tech firms and e-tail chains, among others.”
This phrasing subtly includes unmentioned clients without listing them all.
Common Mistakes and Misunderstandings
1. Mixing up “Among Other” vs. “Among Others”
- ❌ Incorrect: “She likes fruits, among others.”
- ✅ Correct: “She likes fruits, among others.”
2. Redundancy
Avoid tautologies like:
“He, among others, and several others…” – Duplicate the same idea.
3. Awkward placement
“Among others, she studied biology, chemistry, and physics.”
Better:
“She studied biology, chemistry, and physics, among others.”
Synonyms and Alternatives to “Among Others”
Consider variations when tone or specificity matters:
| Synonym | Tone | Example Sentence |
| Including | Neutral | “They visited France, including Paris and Nice.” |
| As well as | Formal/Neutral | “The features include speed as well as accuracy.” |
| Notably | Emphatic | “She excels in art, science, notably, math.” |
| Especially | Highlighting | “He loves sports, especially football.” |
| Among other things | Broad | “She started businesses, among other things, charities.” |
Each option adds nuance; pick the one that suits your intent.
Quick Grammar Checks
Will Be Sent vs. Will Be Sent
- ❌ “Your order will be sent tomorrow.”
- ✅ “Your order will be sent tomorrow.”
Will be sent in the correct passive form.
A Couple, A Few, Some, Several, Many
Quantifiers vary:
- A couple: 2
- A few: 3-5
- Some: indefinite but more than 2
- Several: more than a few, less than many
- Many: large, but vague
Use them carefully in business or academic writing to avoid ambiguity.
Among Others vs. Among Other
- Incorrect: “Among others, he studied law.”
- Correct: “Among others, he studied law.”
- Or: “Among other subjects, he studied law.” (Here, “other” modifies “subjects.”)
Among Others
Use “among others” when you want to:
- Imply a broader set without listing every item.
- Keep statements elegant and succinct.
- Softly conclude a list without a heavy closure.
Best-Practice Checklist
- Use it for plural items or people.
- Enclose in commas if it adds extra, nonessential info.
- Ensure the tone fits: academic, business, or casual.
- Avoid redundancy.
- Consider synonyms for nuance.
When used well, “among others” adds subtlety, grace, and polish to your writing.
Final Thoughts
The phrase “among others” may seem small, but it holds real weight in effective communication. Whether you’re writing a research paper, crafting a professional email, or telling a story, this phrase lets you include important examples without sounding repetitive or overly detailed. It allows for elegance, subtlety, and strategic ambiguity- qualities that strong writing often depends on.
What makes “among others” especially powerful is its flexibility. It can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. It can be formal or conversational. And when placed correctly, it signals that your list isn’t exhaustive, inviting curiosity while keeping things concise.
Just remember a few key rules:
- It always refers to plural nouns or people
- Punctuation matters depending on how it’s used in the sentence
- It should be used purposefully, not as filler
- And it should not be confused with phrases like “among other things” or “including”, which have their own grammatical lives.
Mastering subtle phrases like this is a sign of polished writing. So use it wisely- among others is a powerful tool when used correctly.
FAQs
What does “among others” really mean?
“Among others” means included with other people or things not specifically mentioned. It’s used to hint that there’s more to a list without stating everything.
Example: “She visited Rome, Paris, and Berlin, among others.” (She visited more cities, but those are just a few.)
Do I need a comma before or after “among others”?
Use commas if “among others” is non-essential to the meaning, like a parenthetical:
“He met with investors, among others, during the conference.”
No commas if it’s essential or tightly connected to the sentence:
“She works with nonprofits, among others.” (Though rare, this may appear in condensed writing.)
Is it correct to say “among others” without the “s”?
Only if it directly modifies a noun.
✅ Correct: “Among other reasons, this was the most important.”
❌ Incorrect: “She worked in tech, among others.” (Should be “among others.”)
What’s the difference between “among others” and “including”?
- Including = Direct and specific
- Among others = Suggestive and subtle
“He invited his parents, siblings, and neighbors, including his cousin.”
“He invited his parents, siblings, and neighbors, among others.”
(The first is more exact; the second is more open-ended.)
Can I use “among others” in formal writing?
Yes, absolutely. It’s widely used in academic papers, business reports, and journalism. Just be sure the tone fits, and the phrase doesn’t replace clarity.
Example: “The report analyzes water scarcity, pollution, and climate trends, among others.”
