Other / the other / another 1

‘Other’ means something like ‘additional’ or ‘different’. When we use ‘other’, ‘the other’ and
‘another’, it’s very similar to how we use ‘no article’, ‘a/an’ and ‘the’.

Determiners (used before a noun)

We can use ‘other’ as a determiner, before a noun. It’s often used in a place where we don’t need ‘a’
or ‘the’. We often use it with ‘any’ or ‘some’.

‘Other’ before a plural noun:

• Some people like cats. Other people like dogs. (= different people like dogs)

‘Other’ before an uncountable noun:

• Do you have any other information? (= do you have any additional information?)

We can’t use ‘other’ alone before a singular noun. We need to use ‘the other’ or ‘another’.

We can use ‘the other’ before singular and plural nouns. It’s used in the same way that we usually use
‘the’ – to talk about something specific.

• Can I have the other cup? (A specific different cup)

• Two children stayed but the other children decided to go home. (a specific group of children).

We use ‘another’ in the same way that we usually use ‘a / an’ – with a singular noun that is not
specific. ‘Another’ is one word.

• Could I have another cup (any different cup is fine).

• I’d love another piece of cake (an additional piece of cake).
 Other / the other / another exercise 1

Choose ‘other’ ‘the other’ or ‘another’.

1. Some students work hard. ____________ students sleep all day (not specific).

2. Could you give me ____________ fork? This one is dirty. (Any fork.)

3. They want to have ____________ baby. (Not a specific baby.)

4. She ate one cake and gave us ____________ cake. (There are two cakes.)

5. Do you have this in ____________ colours? (Any colours.)

6. She sat in ____________ seat (a specific seat).

7. I’d like some ____________ books please. These ones are too easy. (Not specific books.)

8. Has she got any ____________ food? (Not specific food.)

9. Would you like another drink (any drink).

10. Where are the other keys? We have two sets!

Answers

1. Some students work hard. Other students sleep all day.

2. Could you give me another fork? This one is dirty.
3. They want to have another baby.
4. She ate one cake and gave us the other cake.
5. Do you have this in other colours?
6. She sat in the other seat (a specific seat).
7. I’d like some other books please. These ones are too easy.
8. Has she got any other food?
9. Would you like another drink (any drink).
10. Where are the other keys? We have two sets!