It is often difficult for French learners to distinguish "entre" and "parmi". Let's try to see it a little more clearly. Observe these sentences: J'habite entre Lyon et Marseille. Marc arrivera entre 13 heures et 14 heures. Le lit est entre l'armoire et la table de nuit. What is the idea expressed by "entre"? “Entre" expresses that something is located between two things, It can be a concrete thing (like a place or example) or abstract (like the arrival of a person for example).
We also use "entre":
when a choice must be made: tu dois choisir entre ces options.
to indicate a group of people to the exclusion of all others: ils aiment rester entre amis
Observe these sentences:
Il y a beaucoup d'amour entre-eux.
Parmi ces personnes, une seule porte des vêtements jaunes.
What is the difference expressed by "entre" and "parmi"?
"Entre" expresses reciprocity.
"Parmi" denotes an element within a set.
A bit further :
Parmi eux, beaucoup sont retournés en France.
Beaucoup d'entre-eux sont retournés en France.
What is the difference between these 2 sentences? The meaning is quite similar. In the first sentence, I focus more on the group. While in the second sentence, I focus more on the members of a group to the exclusion of other people. It's subtle, isn't it? Don't worry, you can use whichever you prefer and French people will understand.
Expression:
J'aimerais vous parler, entre autres, de mon nouveau projet.
= here, "entre autres" has a meaning close to "par exemple". I would like to talk about my new project but also other things.
Your turn !
Comments