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I know we can say, for example, "a balance between a and b".
Is it valid to say "a balance between a, b and c"?

Because I'm not sure whether "between" can be used for more than two items.
If not, what should be a proper word to use?

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    Related question on English Language and Usage. “between” vs. “among”. It all depends on context and it is wrong to believe "between" can't be used for more than 2 items.
    – user24743
    Commented Apr 26, 2016 at 9:14

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In your example, it's sooner a matter of collocations (set phrases/word combinations) with the word "balance" as in "the balance of animals and plants in the environment, the balance of advantage/forces/power".

There's no usage of the preposition "among" after the noun "balance", if that is what you mean. So, "the balance between a, b and c" is correct.

To see the difference between "between" and "among", you've already gotten the link, which is in the comment to your question.

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  • thanks, its more like "find a balance ___ health, work and family", should i use "of" or "between"?
    – dontloo
    Commented Apr 26, 2016 at 13:37
  • You should use "between" as you are trying to find the balance between three things.
    – Victor B.
    Commented Apr 26, 2016 at 15:06
  • My answer is about the choice between "between" and "among" after the noun "balance" had you had that in mind when you formulated the question. And once again, in the comment above, there's a link that might help with those.
    – Victor B.
    Commented Apr 26, 2016 at 15:24
  • sure, that helps a lot
    – dontloo
    Commented Apr 26, 2016 at 15:28

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