Pronouns and Determiners: Other, Others, the Other(s) or Another

The words ‘other‘ and ‘another‘ are difference words. They refer to something different, remaining or additional. They can be used as determiners or pronouns in a sentence.

As determiners, they come before a noun, but as pronouns they can be used independently.

Compare:

• What other colors do you have? – Thank you. I’ll take the other.

Other, the other, another as determiners

Other

‘Other‘ means extra, additional; alternative or different types. We can use ‘other‘ with both countable and uncountable nouns in affirmative, negative, and interrogative sentences.

When we use ‘other‘ before a singular countable noun, we have to use another determiner before it.

• Do you have these shoes in other sizes?
• We received other information from a different agent.
• I don’t want other people to see me here.

• Can you hand me my other shoe, please?
• I like the other shirt better.

The other

We use ‘the other‘ before countable and uncountable nouns.

— When we use ‘the other‘ before a singular noun, it refers to the second of two things or the opposite in a set of two.

• This hammock is in the shade; I’d like to sit in the other hammock because it’s in the sun.
• I have my suitcase. Do you have the other suitcase?
• Did John send you the other information?

— When we use ‘the other‘ with a plural noun, it refers to the remaining people or things in a group or set.

• I can’t find the other three forks. I only have five.
• Let’s join the other parents in the hot tub while the kids play in the pool.

Another

‘Another‘ is just the indefinite article an + other, and it means one more or additional, extra, or an alternative or different.

We normally use ‘another‘ with singular countable nouns in affirmative, interrogative, and negative statements.

• Would you like another cup of coffee?
• Let’s just go to another restaurant.
• I hope that’s not another solicitor knocking on the door.

We can use ‘another‘ with a plural noun or pronoun when a number or quantifier precedes the plural noun.

• We don’t have room for another 20 people.
• How do you feel about staying here for another few days?

Here’s a summary with the meaning and examples:

Others, the others, the other, another as pronouns

Others

We use ‘others‘ as a pronoun to replace other ones or a plural noun when the noun is known or obvious. We cannot use ‘other‘ as a pronoun.

• All of these glasses are dirty. Do you have others? (‘others’ refers to ‘glasses’)
• Some people agree while others are neutral. (‘others’ refers to ‘other people’)

The others

‘The others‘ refers to (the) other group or (the) other people. It may also refer to animals.

• What are the others up to right now?
• I’m going to see what the others have to say about this.

The other

We can use ‘the other‘ as a pronoun. In this case, it usually refers back to something that was previously mentioned, or to another or the opposite in a set or group.

• I have a child in one hand and a puppy in the other. (‘the other’ refers to ‘hand’).
• I’ll take care of this cat, and you can take care of the other.

Another

We can use ‘another‘ as a pronoun when the noun is known or obvious. We usually use ‘another‘ in affirmative and interrogative statements.

•  I already had a croissant, but I think I’ll have another. (‘another’ refers to ‘croissant’)
• You’re finished your beer; would you like another? (‘another’ refers to ‘beer’)

Watch this video from EngVid explaining how to use ‘other’ and ‘another’:

Read more on the topic:

Pronouns and Determiners: Quantifiers

Possession: Determiners, Pronouns, Apostrophe ‘s

Pronouns and Determiners: Each, Every, Either, Neither, Both, Half, All