Another vs Other vs The Other
another
(adjective + pronoun)
= one more (+1) or a different one
* Used ONLY with singular countable nouns
another (adjective)
Ex: “another” apple
= one more apple or a different apple
another (pronoun)
Ex: Give me “another” apple.
= Give me one more apple.
other (adjective)
= a different one
*Used with plural countable nouns and uncountable nouns
Ex: the “other” trees (countable)
= different trees
or the “other” grass (uncountable)
= different grass
the other (adjective)
= the remainders of a group (people/objects)
*Used with singular countable nouns and plural countable nouns
Ex: “the other” student (singular)
= the last student of the group
or “the other” students (plural)
= the rest of the group
the other (pronoun)
Ex: “The other” apple is in the box.
= The last apple of a group is in the box.
others (plural pronoun)
Ex: “Others” are not here.
= The different ones are not here.
the others ( plural pronoun)
Ex: “The others” are not here.
= The remaining objects / members of a group are not here.
Common Mistakes:
1. I have two brothers. One is a doctor. Another is a musician. X
Correct answer: The other is a musician.
2. I liked Star Wars Return of the Jedi.The others movies I didn’t like. X
Correct answer: The other movies I didn’t like.
3. Can you answer my another question? X
Correct answer: Can you answer my other question?
4. Would you like chicken?
No, I’d like another. Some steak perhaps. X
Correct answer: No I’d like something else/ something other than chicken/
Yes, I ‘d like another piece of chicken. (If you already ate one piece.)
