Language thrives on precision. Every phrase carries weight, shaping how ideas connect and how readers interpret them. One expression that often sparks confusion — yet appears everywhere from essays to business reports — is “among others.”
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what “among others” means, how to use it correctly, when to punctuate it, and the mistakes you must avoid. Let’s dig in.
Understanding the Meaning of “Among Others”
The phrase “among others” means “including other people or things not specifically mentioned.” It’s a shortcut that implies there are more examples or items in a group without listing them all.
Example:
“She has worked with Google, Apple, and Microsoft, among others.”
Here, “among others” tells us she’s collaborated with more companies beyond the three listed. It gives a sense of inclusion and variety without overwhelming the reader with a long list.
Core Purpose:
- To imply inclusion – it shows there are additional elements not named.
- To save space – instead of listing every example, it signals more exist.
- To maintain flow – prevents repetitive phrasing like “and many more.”
Etymology and Historical Background
The roots of “among others” stretch back to Old English.
- The word “among” comes from amang, meaning in the company of or mixed with.
- The plural “others” derives from ōðer, meaning different or remaining.
By the Middle Ages, writers used “among others” to indicate inclusion without excess. Its use expanded in formal English, especially in legal, academic, and literary texts.
Historical Example:
“He was counted among others of noble birth.” – (15th-century record)
This shows that even centuries ago, the phrase implied belonging within a group.
Grammatical Function of “Among Others”
Grammatically, “among others” is a prepositional phrase. It starts with the preposition among and ends with the plural pronoun others.
It Functions As:
- Postmodifier – describes a noun or noun phrase.
- “She invited John, Lisa, and Emma, among others.”
- Parenthetical phrase – adds extra information or nuance.
- “The film, among others, received critical acclaim.”
Sentence Role:
| Role | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Modifier | Adds detail to a noun | “He met with investors, among others.” |
| Clarifier | Implies additional people/things | “The study examined biology, chemistry, among others.” |
| Emphasizer | Highlights inclusion | “She was praised by her teachers, among others.” |
It does not act as a subject or object — it merely provides additional context to what precedes it.
Strategic Use in Writing
Good writers use “among others” to condense information while maintaining clarity. It’s especially useful when:
- Listing examples or representatives of a broader category.
- You want to suggest completeness without naming every item.
- Writing formally where brevity matters.
Examples:
- “The project received funding from NASA, MIT, and Stanford, among others.”
- “He reads works by Orwell, Hemingway, and Faulkner, among others.”
Why Writers Use It:
- To make lists sound polished.
- To show that named examples are only part of a wider set.
- To avoid clutter and repetition.
How to Avoid Overuse:
- Don’t add “among others” after every example list.
- Avoid redundancy with phrases like “and others among others.”
- Use sparingly for emphasis, not habit.
Sentence Placement and Positioning
You can place “among others” at different points depending on tone or rhythm.
Common Placements:
| Placement | Example | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| End of sentence | “She collaborated with Netflix, Spotify, and Disney, among others.” | Most natural; closes the list neatly. |
| Mid-sentence (parenthetical) | “He, among others, opposed the policy.” | Emphasizes the person or group. |
| Beginning (rare) | “Among others who attended were diplomats and ministers.” | Adds formal emphasis. |
Impact on Tone:
- End placement feels conversational and clear.
- Middle placement adds sophistication and emphasis.
- Beginning placement feels formal or academic.
Punctuation Rules: Commas and “Among Others”
Punctuation affects readability and rhythm. Whether you use a comma depends on the sentence structure.
General Rule:
Use a comma before “among others” when it comes after a list or a main clause.
✅ Correct:
“He works with IBM, Dell, and Cisco, among others.”
❌ Incorrect:
“He works with IBM, Dell, and Cisco among others.”
If “among others” is mid-sentence, set it off with commas on both sides.
“She, among others, spoke out against the decision.”
Style Guide Notes:
| Style | Guidance |
|---|---|
| APA & MLA | Comma before “among others” is standard after a list. |
| Chicago Manual | Optional, but recommended for clarity. |
| AP Style | Use commas for readability. |
Impact of Comma Placement:
- With comma: signals a pause, improving flow.
- Without comma: may cause the phrase to blend confusingly with the list.
Common Mistakes with “Among Others”
Even fluent writers misuse this phrase. Here are typical errors and how to fix them.
1. Redundancy
❌ “She invited Tom, Jerry, and others, among others.”
✅ “She invited Tom, Jerry, and others.”
2. Misplacement
❌ “Among others she likes painting.”
✅ “She likes painting, among other things.”
3. Ambiguity
❌ “He, among others that failed, succeeded later.”
✅ “He succeeded later, unlike others who failed.”
4. Wrong Singular Use
❌ “Among other was my teacher.”
✅ “Among others was my teacher.”
Always ensure it refers clearly to plural entities and that the surrounding context supports it.
“Among Others” vs. “Among Other”
The difference between “among others” and “among other” lies in number agreement.
| Phrase | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Among others | Refers to people/things in plural | “He met with directors, among others.” |
| Among other | Used with a singular noun (less common) | “Among other reasons, he left for health.” |
Key Distinction:
- Use “among others” when referring to multiple entities.
- Use “among other + noun” to specify a category or reason.
Examples:
- “She studies English and history, among others.”
- “Among other issues, cost was a major concern.”
The plural “others” stands alone, while singular “other” requires a following noun.
Alternatives to “Among Others”
Sometimes, you can use synonyms to vary tone or avoid repetition. Here are solid substitutes and their ideal contexts.
| Alternative Phrase | Context | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Including | Neutral, versatile | “He reads classic authors, including Dickens.” |
| Such as | Informal, clear | “I enjoy fruits such as apples and mangoes.” |
| Notably | Emphasizing key examples | “The company hired experts, notably in AI.” |
| And others | Simple, conversational | “He collaborated with artists and others.” |
| Among many others | Emphasizes scale | “She’s won Oscars, Grammys, among many others.” |
Nuance Notes:
- “Among others” suggests a few unnamed examples.
- “And others” feels simpler, less formal.
- “Notably” adds importance to the listed examples.
Real-World Examples of “Among Others”
Academic Writing
Used to cite authors, sources, or theories:
“This perspective is supported by Smith, Lee, and Johnson, among others.”
Journalism
Used for brevity when referencing organizations or individuals:
“The bill received support from senators in Texas, California, among others.”
Business Reports
Used to signal range or prestige:
“Our clients include Amazon, Deloitte, and Microsoft, among others.”
Quick Reference Table
| Context | Correct Use | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Formal writing | “This method was explored by Einstein, Bohr, among others.” | Use after notable names. |
| Business writing | “We collaborate with IBM, Oracle, among others.” | Shows credibility. |
| Emails/Reports | “The event drew investors, among others.” | Keep tone natural. |
| Academic papers | “As noted by Johnson, among others, this theory holds.” | Adds authority. |
Case Studies: Real-World Use of “Among Others”
1. Academic Example
“The concept of social capital was explored by Bourdieu and Coleman, among others.”
Explanation:
Both names represent a broader field of researchers. The phrase suggests many scholars contributed but focuses on the most influential ones.
2. Journalism Example
“The company faced criticism from environmental groups, among others, after the spill.”
Explanation:
This signals there were multiple critics, not just environmental groups, enhancing journalistic fairness.
3. Business Example
“Our partnerships extend to Spotify, Tesla, and Samsung, among others.”
Explanation:
Used to create a polished impression without listing every partner.
FAQs About “Among Others”
What does “among others” mean exactly?
It means including other people or things not mentioned by name. It implies that more examples exist beyond those listed.
Can you start a sentence with “among others”?
Yes, but it sounds formal. Example: “Among others who spoke were the president and the mayor.”
Do you need a comma before “among others”?
Usually yes, especially after a list. Example: “He met with Apple, IBM, and Dell, among others.”
Is “among others” plural or singular?
Plural. It always refers to more than one person or thing.
What can I use instead of “among others”?
You can use including, such as, notably, and others, or among many others depending on tone and context.
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Summary & Takeaways
The phrase “among others” is a simple yet powerful linguistic tool. It lets you mention a few examples while hinting at many more. It’s common in academic, journalistic, and business writing because it conveys inclusion and sophistication.
Quick Reminders:
- Always use “others” (plural).
- Use commas when it follows a list or clause.
- Avoid redundancy and overuse.
- Replace with “including,” “such as,” or “and others” for variation.
- Ensure clarity — don’t use it if the “others” aren’t obvious.
Use it wisely, and your writing will sound concise, polished, and natural — just like a skilled communicator’s.
Hi! I’m Sami, a 28-year-old content writer with a love for words and storytelling. Writing has always been my way of expressing ideas, sharing knowledge, and connecting with people. I enjoy creating engaging and well-researched content—whether it’s blogs, articles, or social media posts—that not only informs but also inspires readers. My goal is to turn complex ideas into clear, creative, and meaningful pieces of writing that leave a lasting impact.
