The Romanian language is one of the most complex, with a lot of rules that must be respected. Some words, especially similar ones, are used in the wrong context. For example, we can encounter mistakes when it comes to the words between and between, which many people confuse.
When we use the word “between”
The words “between” and “between” are some of the most used, but also terms that cause a lot of headaches. In some situations, they are used with the wrong meaning, since they are very similar. Their meaning, however, is different.
The word “between” is a preposition used in Romanian to indicate a choice or a selection between two or more elements.
It is used to highlight a choice or to specify the origin or provenance of an object or person within a larger group.
When we use “among,” we mean the selection or choice made from a group of options. For example: “I chose one book from the three suggested.”
The word “of” can be used to highlight the origin or provenance of an object or person within a larger group. For example: “John is one of the best tennis players in the school.”
When we want to emphasize the differences or particularities between two or more things, we can use “between.” For example: “Of all the color options, I prefer green.”
In what situations exactly is this term used:
“introduces an attribute that shows the place occupied by someone or something – expresses the idea of location in a space circumscribed by two different elements (or in the middle of a space circumscribed by discontinuously arranged elements of the same kind): The space between the wall and the sofa is stained .
↘ introduces a complement that shows the point of detachment – expresses the idea of detachment from a circumscribed space: The sun came out from among the clouds.
↘ introduces an attribute – expresses the duration of time delimited by two distinct temporal units: They were evacuated at the transition between day and night.
↘ expresses closeness (or rejection) within different elements: Only one of them passed the exam.
↘ introduces an attribute – expresses detachment (on the basis of a possessed quality) among several elements of the same kind: It was selected from hundreds of participants. (can also use “from”)
↘ introduces an attribute – expresses the idea of correlation by correspondence within a hierarchy: You are the most prepared of the students.
↘ introduces an attribute – expresses the idea of correlation or an alternation: The fight between mother and child was recorded.
↘ introduces an attribute – it expresses the idea of a relationship of reciprocity between two or more elements, units, persons: The ties between the families of the two have been forged”, the DEX states.
When we use the word “between”
The word “between” is a fundamental preposition in the Romanian language, with a wide range of uses and meanings. This word indicates a relationship of position or spatial, temporal or logical relationship between two or more elements.
See also: How to spell it grammatically: from always or always?
“Between” is used to indicate the location or relative position of an object or person to others. For example: “The book is between the pen and the notebook.”
The word “between” is used to show the time interval between two events or moments. For example: “I will be on vacation from August 15th to August 30th.”
“Between” can be used to highlight a comparison or choice between two or more options. For example: “I have to make a choice between staying at home and going to the party.”
The word “between” can be used to show the relationship between people in different social or interpersonal contexts. For example: “Their friendship developed over time, and now they are inseparable.”
When the word “between” is actually used:
“↘ shows the state or movement in the space that separates two points or two beings: I found room between the two colleagues.
↘ place where two or more roads (separate or) meet: I crashed the car between two streets/at the intersection of the two streets.
↘ place where two or more (rivers or) valleys meet: Between Prut and Siret is the monastery.
↘ ≈ in the middle
↘ refers to the (moment or) duration between two known moments of time: See you between the two courses. (in the time interval between)
↘ expresses reciprocity: They discussed with each other.
↘ indicates an approximation: We meet between 12 and 13.
Examples of incorrect use of the preposition “between”:
↘ The difference between drilling and digging is big.
↘ Relations between the two families cooled.
↘ Fights between policemen and firefighters resulted in three injuries.
↘ They discussed the same-sex marriage law,” DEX said.
Examples of incorrect use of the preposition “among”, according to DEX:
↘ The latest generation phone has a stunning appearance and a screen-to-body ratio of almost 75%.
↘ Hippocrates described a connection between seasons and disease several thousand years ago.
↘ A conflict between Roma clans took place last night near the stadium”, writes DEX.
How we learn to speak correctly
Constant reading of books, newspapers or magazines enriches the vocabulary and develops the understanding of the language.
Correct pronunciation is crucial. Try speaking out loud and listening to how the words sound.
Also find out: Be good at grammar: how do you spell “Don’t be angry” or “Don’t be angry” correctly?
Understanding the rules of grammar helps you construct correct sentences.
Use a dictionary to learn new words every day and try to use them in conversations. It is important to know their correct meaning in order to use them in the right contexts.
Take public speaking classes. These courses can help you develop your public speaking skills and build your self-confidence.
Exercises to improve diction can help you pronounce words more clearly and correctly.
Avoid speaking too fast or too slowly. Speaking at an appropriate pace helps make messages easier to understand.
