Determiners & pronouns: Other. Others, another

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. (cup 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)

Another, The Other, The Others, Others

Make a choice by clicking on the radio button,
then compare it with the correct answer hidden under the answer button.

1. There's no ___ way to do it.
   other
   the other
   another
   Answerother
2. Some people like to rest in their free time. ___ like to travel.
   Other
   The others
   Others
   AnswerOthers
3. This cake is delicious! Can I have ___ slice, please?
   other
   another
   others
   Answeranother
4. Where are ___ boys?
   the other
   the others
   others
   Answerthe other
5. The supermarket is on ___ side of the street.
   other
   another
   the other
   Answerthe other
6. There were three books on my table. One is here. Where are ___ ?
   others
   the others
   the other
   Answerthe others
7. Some of the speakers went straight to the conference room. ___ speakersare still hanging around.
   The other
   The others
   Another
   AnswerThe other
8. This is not the only answer to the question. There are ___ .
   the others
   others
   another
   Answerothers
9. Please give me ___ chance.
   other
   the other
   another
   Answeranother
10. He was a wonderful teacher. Everyone agreed it would be hard to find ___ like him.
    another
    other
    the other
    Answeranother