Distinguish Other, Another, And Others

Skill

Distinguish Other, Another, And Others

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Other, another, and others are very easy to confuse. To decide how to use each of them correctly, you must consider three things: (1) if it is singular or plural, (2) if it is definite (the) or indefinite (a, an), and (3) if it is an adjective (it appears with a noun) or if it is a pronoun (it appears by itself).

Uses of Other, Another, and Others

INDEFINITE

  • SINGULAR
    • I have another book. (Adjective)
    • I have another. (Pronoun)
  • PLURAL
    • I have other books. (Adjective)
    • I have others. (Pronoun)

DEFINITE

  • SINGULAR
    • I have the other book. (Adjective)
    • I have the other. (Pronoun)
  • PLURAL
    • I have the other books. (Adjective)
    • I have the others. (Pronoun)

Notice that you use another only to refer to an indefinite, singular idea. Others is used only as a plural pronoun (not accompanied by a noun). In all other cases, other is correct.

Exercise

Complete the following exercises to reinforce what you’ve learned:

Each of the following sentences contains other, another, or others. Circle other, another, or others. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

  1. It is essential to complete the first program before working on the others.
  2. The waitress will bring you the another bowl of soup if you want.
  3. You should pack another pair of shoes in case that pair gets soaked.
  4. It is difficult to find others workers who are willing to work such long hours.
  5. Since the lamp you wanted is out of stock, you must choose another.
  6. The other desk clerk must have put that message in your mailbox.
  7. If your identification card is lost or stolen, you cannot get another.
  8. Because they were not pleased with the hotel accommodations last year, they have decided to try a other hotel this year.
  9. As some students moved into the registration area, others took their places in line.
  10. The printer will not function unless it has another cartridges.

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