Another, other, others, the other, the others
All forms at a glance — what they mean, where they go, and typical patterns.
Quick map
Form
Followed by
Meaning / Use
Example
another (determiner)
singular countable noun
“one more / a different one”
I need another cup.
another (pronoun)
—
“one more thing/person”
I’ll have another.
other (determiner)
plural or uncountable; also with a determiner (my/this/any/no) + singular
“additional / different”
other doctors · any other day · my other brother · other information
others (pronoun)
—
“other people/things” (unspecified)
Some prefer tea; others prefer coffee.
the other (determiner/pronoun)
singular
“the second of two / the opposite side”
This TV is new; the other one is old.
the other (determiner)
plural noun
“the remaining” (specific group)
Where are the other kids?
the others (pronoun)
—
“the rest (two or more) of a known group”
Joel and Karen are here, but where are the others?
Determiners vs pronouns
- Determiners come before a noun: another seat, other people, the other side.
- Pronouns stand alone: another, others, the other, the others.
- Don’t add a plural -s to determiners: other doctors ✅ not others doctors ❌.
another vs other / others
- another = one more / an additional one (singular only): I’ll take another ticket.
- other + plural/uncountable (or with a determiner + singular) = different / additional: other ideas, other advice, any other day, my other sister.
- others (pronoun) = other people/things (not followed by a noun): We’ve hired five designers; we’ll interview others soon.
the other & the others
- the other (singular) = “the second of two” or “the opposite one”: Hold it with the other hand.
- the other + plural noun = “the remaining members of a known set”: Where are the other keys?
- the others (pronoun) = “the rest of them”: Two students stayed; the others left.
- Prefer the other + noun to clumsy the others of + noun: the other students ✅ not the others of the students ❌.
Useful patterns & notes
- another + number + plural noun: another two days, another three questions.
- Comparatives: faster than any other player (not including the subject in the group) · faster than the other players (the rest of a specific group).
- Pronoun choices: another one ✅, the other one ✅, but others ones ❌.
- Uncountable nouns: use other, not another: other advice / other furniture.
- Do not confuse with reciprocal pronouns: each other / one another = “mutually”: They help each other.
Mini summary
another = one more (singular). other = different/additional (plural/uncountable, or with a determiner + singular). others = other things/people (pronoun). the other = the second of two / the remaining one. the others = the rest of a known group.
Exercises:
Another, other, others, the other, the others
Choose another, other, others, the other, the others to complete the sentences below.
1
I’ve been to New Zealand, Australia and many
countries.
2
I’d like
cup of coffee, please.
3
Where is
shoe? There’s only this one in the rack.
4
I think you should see
people.
5
I’ve talked to Josh and Sarah, but I haven’t talked to
students yet.
6
He has two brothers. One is tall and handsome and
is short and unattractive.
7
Ask me
question if you want. I know all the answers.
8
Forget this for now. We have
problems.
9
Only two computers work; all
don’t.
10
Some people voted ‘yes’, some voted ‘no’, and
didn’t vote.
Another, other, others, the other, the others
Choose another, other, others, the other, the others for each gap below.
1
This pen is dry. Do you have ____ pen?
A.
B.
C.
2
We have two printers at home. One is broken, but ____ works fine.
A.
B.
C.
3
Some volunteers are setting up the stage; ____ are greeting the guests.
A.
B.
C.
4
Do you have ____ questions before we finish?
A.
B.
C.
5
I don’t like this color. Can you show me ____ one?
A.
B.
C.
6
We booked five tickets. Two are for us, and ____ are for our friends.
A.
B.
C.
7
I’ll take this jacket and you can take ____ one.
A.
B.
C.
8
Some of the cookies are chocolate; ____ are with jam.
A.
B.
C.
9
I didn’t like those shoes. Do you have ____ styles in this size?
A.
B.
C.
10
We have three proposals. This one is too expensive; ____ two need more detail, and we’ll discuss ____ later.
A.
B.
C.
Another, other, others, the other, the others
Fill in the gaps with another, other, others, the other, the others.
1
Is there seat by the window?
2
Do you have any questions before we finish?
3
Some of the guests have arrived; are stuck in traffic.
4
I brought two umbrellas: one is broken and is fine.
5
Five laptops are ours; belong to the IT team.
6
I don’t like this colour. Do you have it in any colours?
7
We looked at two apartments; was much brighter.
8
If you’re still hungry, have slice of pizza.
9
Move this chair to the corner and put chairs around the table.
10
Some students prefer online classes, while prefer learning in person.