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Another vs. Other vs. Others
English Grammar
Quick Summary: What is the difference between another and other?
A simple rule to help you remember the difference between another and other is:
another + singular noun
other + plural noun
others (a pronoun to replace other + plural noun)
- I need another cup. (cup is singular so we use another)
- I need other cups. (cups is plural so we use other)
- I need others. (refers to other cups)
When to use ANOTHER
Another means:
- one more, an additional, an extra
- a different one; an alternative one
Another is a determiner (and a qualifier) that goes before a singular countable noun or a pronoun.
Another + Singular Countable noun
Another can be followed by a singular countable noun.
- He has bought another motorbike.
- Would you like another cup of coffee?
- Don’t worry about the rain. We can go another day.
- I think you should paint it another color.
- We are having another baby.
Another + One
Another can be placed before “one” when the meaning is clear from the text before it.
- I have already eaten two sandwiches though now I want another one. (= an additional sandwich)
- A: You can borrow more of these books if you like. B: Ok, I’ll take another one. (= another book, one more book)
Another as a pronoun
Sometimes another is used as a pronoun.
- That piece of cake was tasty. I think I’ll have another. (another = one more piece of cake)
- I don’t like this room. Let’s ask for another. (another = another room)
Note: you can also say: “I think I’ll have another one.” and “Let’s ask for another one.”
Another + number + plural noun
Another can be used before a plural noun when there is a number before that noun or before phrases such as a couple of, a few etc.
- In another 20 years my laptop is going to be obsolete.
- I like this city so much that I’m going to spend another three days here.
- We need another three teachers before classes begin.
- He was given another couple of months to finish the sculpture.
Remember another is ONE word not two words (an other is incorrect)
When to use OTHER
Other is a determiner that goes before plural countable nouns, uncountable nouns or a pronoun.
Other + Plural Countable Noun
Other can be followed by a plural countable noun.
- We have other styles if you are interested.
- Have you got any other dresses, or are these the only ones?
- Some days are sunny though other days can be very rainy.
- I have invited some other people.
- I can’t help you because I’m busy with other things.
Other + Ones
Other can be placed before the pronoun “ones” when the meaning is clear from the text before it.
- We don’t need those books, we need other ones. (= different books)
- A: You can borrow my books if you like. B: Thanks, but I need other ones. (= other books)
Note: you can say other one when it refers to wanting the alternative.
- I don't want this one, I want the other one.
Others as a pronoun
Others replaces “other ones” or "other + plural noun".
Only others can be used as a pronoun and not other.
- I don’t like these postcards. Let’s ask for others. (others = other postcards)
- Some of the presidents arrived on Monday. Others arrived the following day.
Others - the others
Often “(the) others” refers to “(the) other people”.
- He has no interest in helping others. (= in helping other people)
- What are the others doing tonight?
What is the difference between other and others?
Other is followed by a noun or a pronoun
Others is a pronoun and is NOT followed by a noun.
- These shoes are too small. Do you have any other shoes?
- These shoes are too small. Do you have any others? (no noun after others)
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