Another, other, others, the other, the others

Exercises

Explanation

In English, we use other, others, the other, and another to talk about things or people that are different, additional, or remaining. Although these words look similar, their meanings and grammar use depend on the noun that follows or whether there is one at all.

Other

Other means different, extra, or additional. We use other before plural countable nouns and uncountable nouns. 

It describes more things of the same type or things that are different from the first ones mentioned.

Examples:

• I love Italian food, but I also enjoy other cuisines like Thai or Mexican.

• Some cities are quiet, while other cities never sleep.

• You can find other information about the course on the website.

• This pair of shoes is too small. Do you have other sizes?

Don’t say others cars. Say other cars - “other” never takes -s when used before a noun.

Others

Others is a pronoun - it replaces a noun phrase and means other people or other things. We use others when the noun is clear from the context.

Examples:

• Some employees finished early; others stayed late to help.

• I’ve seen a few of her movies, and I’d like to watch others soon.

• Some people enjoy team sports; others prefer working out alone.

You don’t say a noun after others - it already replaces it.

The Other

The other means the second one (when there are two) or the rest (when there are more than two). It refers to something specific and known to both the speaker and listener.

Examples:

• I have two brothers. One lives in Canada, and the other lives in Spain.

• Only one chair is clean. The other chairs are covered in dust.

• She was holding a book in one hand and a phone in the other.

• This painting is modern, but the other one is more traditional.

The other can be used with singular or plural nouns, depending on how many items you are referring to.

Another

Another means one more, an additional one, or a different one. It is used before singular countable nouns or alone as a pronoun.

Examples:

• Can I have another coffee before we leave?

• He finished one project and immediately started another.

• I don’t like this shirt. Do you have another color?

• She missed the bus, so she waited for another one.

Remember: it’s written as one word — another, not an other.

Quick Reference Table

Extra Tip

A simple way to check:

• If you talk about something different, use other or the other.

• If you talk about one more, use another.

• If you don’t need a noun after it, use others.