Many English learners confuse other and another, but the difference is quite obvious when you think about it. Don´t make the same mistake and learn the difference today.

 

OTHER

This will explain how other is used and compare it to the alternatives.

Other is plural. It is a determiner, pronoun, an adjective or an adverb. We use it to refer to a different option available. 

 

Other as a determiner:

We usually use it before plural nouns, for instance:

I like this city, but other people prefer larger cities.

I would prefer other subjects to Art.

 

We also use other with uncountable nouns, like:

This music is upbeat whereas other music can be depressing.

 

We use other after words such as my/your/his/her/their/our:

I have left my wallet in my other backpack.

 

Other/others as a pronoun:

My parents don’t get along, in fact, they do not even speak to each other.

I am going to move from one school in my city to the other.

 

The use of others:

Examples…

I do not like these boots, I prefer the others.

Have you got any others?

 

ANOTHER

This will explain how we use another and how it is different to other.

 

Another is singular:

The reason for this is simple, another carries an indefinite article another so we will need to use it with singular countable nouns and is used instead of an + other.

 

Another as a determiner:

I would like another sandwich, please.

have another class to give today.

Can I have another pint of beer?

 

We can, however, use the other with singular nouns, for instance:

I would like the other t-shirt instead of this one.

 

Another can sometimes replace a noun and in this context another is used as a pronoun:

If you don’t like this drink, would you like another?

I am quitting my job and looking for another.

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