Confusable word group · 3 words

another vs other vs others: what's the difference?

another
determiner / pronoun
vs
other
determiner / pronoun
vs
others
determiner / pronoun

Another, other, and others all come from the same root idea, but they behave differently in a sentence. Two of them are followed by a noun. One stands alone.

Side by side

anotherotherothers
Core meaningOne more, or a different single oneThe remaining one(s), used before a nounOther people or things, standing alone
Typical patternanother + singular nounother + noun, singular or pluralothers, with no noun following
ExampleCan I have another cup of coffee?The other students left early.Some students stayed, but others left early.
Simple testCan you swap in "one more"?Is a noun coming right after it?Does it stand alone, with no noun after it?

Quick rule

Another means one more. Other comes right before a noun. Others stands alone, with no noun after it.

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anothertap to flip
One more, or a different single oneCan I have another cup of coffee?
othertap to flip
The remaining one(s), used before a nounThe other students left early.
otherstap to flip
Other people or things, standing aloneSome students stayed, but others left early.

Test yourself

Question 1 of 6Score: 0

another full definition →

other full definition →

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