Learners of English sometimes misuse the confusing words “other” and “another.” So let’s look at some examples of correct and incorrect usage of this vocabulary.
OTHER is an adjective that pairs with plural nouns, and also singular nouns in rare cases.
ANOTHER is a singular adjective that always pairs with singular nouns.
It helps to break apart the word, and think of it as “AN OTHER,” which shows us that ANOTHER means “ONE OTHER” (AN = ONE = SINGULAR).
In most cases, OTHER is found with plural nouns, and the primary exceptions are when it is preceded by ONE, when preceded by definite articles (THE), or when preceded by possessive pronouns (MY, YOUR, HER, etc.) and followed by singular nouns:
“I only have one other project that I’m working on right now.”
(This is similar in meaning to “I only have one more project to complete.” However, the emphasis is not on more or less, but instead on the question of same or other.)
“I only know one other person with that name. It’s a very unique name.”
(This is similar in meaning to “I know one more person with that name, other than you).
“I do not want to order this model. I want the other model.” (the other one)
“I have never (not ever) gone through this entrance before. Before today, I always took the other entrance.” (the other one)
“This is one of my sisters. My other sister lives in Tokyo.”
“That’s his old car. His other car is brand new.”
“You don’t have to quit the race, but your only other option is to keep running to the finish line.”
“We met with one of our two investors yesterday. We will meet with our other investor tomorrow.”
“The negotiators made a new offer, because we said their other offer was not good enough.”
“She holds the lock in one hand, and the key in her other hand.”
(When there is a choice or a distinction between two options or variables, OTHER is used with singular nouns to mean “not this one.” )
In most cases, OTHER is used with plural nouns:
“I have no other questions.”
“Do you have any other ideas?”
“I enjoy visiting other countries of the world.”
“I like teaching English and learning other languages.”
“I want to travel in order to learn about other cultures.”
“It’s easy to see that the gifted child is not like other kids.”
“After completing this task, I will have no other tasks to complete today.”
“Some guests have already arrived, and the other guests will arrive soon.”
Next compare similar expressions using ANOTHER with singular nouns, and OTHER with plural nouns:
“I have another question.”
“Can I see another template?”
“Another change is still needed.”
“We still need to make another change.”
“I know another person who can help us.”
“There must be another method that will work.”
“I have other questions.”
“Can I see (some) other templates?”
“Other changes are still needed.”
“We still need to make other changes.”
“I know other people who can help us.”
“I tried all other methods, but none worked.”
Additional expressions with OTHER and ANOTHER:
“one another” (We always help one another. I help you and you help me.)
“each other” (We always help each other. I help you and you help me.)
“other than” + NOUN/PRONOUN (Other than baseball, I like all sports.)
PRACTICE:
Can I have ___________ piece of cake, please? The first piece was so delicious! (OTHER or ANOTHER?)
My ___________ cat is more shy than this one. They are both quiet cats. (OTHER or ANOTHER?)
I want ___________ cup of coffee. This coffee is cold. (OTHER or ANOTHER?)
I want many ___________ cups in my collection. I am a cup collector. (OTHER or ANOTHER?)
I know ___________ person who can speak English. You are not the only one. (OTHER or ANOTHER?)
I know ___________ people/persons who can speak English. We are not the only ones. (OTHER or ANOTHER?)
Is there ___________ option? This one is expensive. (OTHER or ANOTHER?) *Note: It is possible here to say “ANY OTHER”
The only ___________ option is more expensive than this one. (OTHER or ANOTHER?)
There is not ___________ option at this price. (OTHER or ANOTHER?)
There are no ___________ options at this price. (OTHER or ANOTHER?)
There are not any ___________ options at this price. (OTHER or ANOTHER?)
I want ___________ option. All of these options are unacceptable. (OTHER or ANOTHER?)
I want ___________ options. These options are all unacceptable. (OTHER or ANOTHER?)
I have ___________ reason to practice English. It’s important for my job. (OTHER or ANOTHER?)
I have ___________ friends who speak English, too. You should meet them. (OTHER or ANOTHER?)
I can remember one of my brothers’ birthdays, but I can’t remember my ___________ brother’s birthday. (OTHER or ANOTHER?)
I am ready for ___________ English test. I have studied a lot. (OTHER or ANOTHER?)
You are not good at golf. You should try ___________ sport. (OTHER or ANOTHER?)
You are not good at golf. You should try ___________ sports. (OTHER or ANOTHER?)
You are too short for basketball. You should try ___________ sport. (OTHER or ANOTHER?)
You are too short for basketball. You should try ___________ sports. (OTHER or ANOTHER?)
My best friend and I take care of each ___________. (OTHER or ANOTHER?)
My best friend and I take care of one ___________. (OTHER or ANOTHER?)
I like some pop music, too. What music genres do you like ___________ than pop? (OTHER or ANOTHER?)
I like some pop music, too. What music genres do you like ___________ than that? (OTHER or ANOTHER?)
Next, make your own example sentences with other and another, and share them in the comment box below. You will receive feedback about your comments, and suggestions for alternatives and improvements.