otheR, anotheR, tHe otheR

otheR, anoTher, tHe oTher

Other : The use of the word other is often a cause of confusesion for foreign students. The formulas:

- An + other + singular noun(one more)

Another pencil {one more pencil}

- The other + singular noun (last of the set)

The other book {the last book present}

- Other + plural noun(more of the set)

Other pens {some more pens}

- Other + non-count nouns (more of the set)

Other water {some more water}

- The other + plural noun (the rest of the set)

The other pens {all remaining pens)

- The other + noun-count noun (all the rest)

The other water {the remaining water)

Note : Another and Other are nonspecific while the other is specific. If the subject is understood, one can omit the noun and keep the determiner and other, so that other functions as a pronoun. If it is plural count noun that is omitted, other becomes others. The word other can NEVER be plural if it’s followed by a noun.

- I don’t want this cake. Please give me another.

(another – any other book – not specific)

- I don’t want this cake. Please give me the other.

(the other – the other cake – specific)

- This chemical is poisonous. Others are poisonous too.

(others – other chemicals – not specific )

- I don’t want these cakes. Please give me the others.

(the others – the other cakes – specific)

Note : Another way of substituting for the noun is to use other + one or ones.

- I don’t want this cake. Please give me another one.

- I don’t want this cake. Please give me the other one.

- This chemical is poisonous. Other ones are poisonous too.

- I don’t want these cakes. Please give me the other one.