Other, another, the other, the others

PRE-TEST

Use "other", "others" or "another" to complete the following sentences:

• There are ________________jobs you could try.
• Where's the ______________ packet of cereals?
• Is there any _____________ bread?
• Have ___________ cup of tea.

(The results, at the end of this post)

Take a quiz here:


EXPLANATION

Other is an adjective meaning 'different' and is used as follows :

- This car park is closed but the other car park is open. - Some children learn quickly but other children need more time.
When do we use "the other" and when do we use "other"? You need to remember the use of the article "the" in English. "The" is used when we know the reference we are talking about, because it is something specific, definite in our mind. We omit the article "the" when we are generalizing. That is why in our second example above we don´t use the article.

Other, others can also be used as a pronoun to refer to things or people.

- 80% of the students arrive on time. - The others ( = the other students) are always late.

Another expresses quantity, something extra or additional. It is only used in the singular, and, just like "other", can be used as an adjective or as a pronoun.

- There are 6 people for dinner but there are only 5 plates. We need another plate. (adjective)
- I really liked your apples. Could I have another, please? (pronoun)

*** And remember!!! "other" and "another" have the same pronunciation as: London, money, none, won, one, son, etc.

LISTEN TO AN EXPLANATION

Here





PRACTICE

1. Which word best completes each sentence: "another", "the other", or "other"?

2. "Another", "other" or "others". Choose the right word.

3. Fill in the gaps

4. Translate

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Results:

• There are other jobs you could try.
• Where's the other packet of cereals?
• Is there any other bread?
• Have another cup of tea.