OTHER-ANOTHER-THE OTHER: The Difference
OTHER-ANOTHER-THE OTHER: The Difference
The words OTHER vs ANOTHER vs THE OTHER can be confusing for students of English. This video clearly explains the main similarity between these words and then the differences.
Through illustrated sentence examples, you will learn how to use OTHER vs ANOTHER vs THE OTHER. The final part of the video contains a brief review so you can test yourself with these words and make sure you have a clear understanding.
Here is a transcript of the video: “OTHER vs ANOTHER vs THE OTHER”
Slide 2:
OTHER – ANOTHER – THE OTHER
all mean: something additional, extra
OR
an alternative, a different one
Slide 3:
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Slide 4:
OTHER – ANOTHER – THE OTHER
the difference:
OTHER: with plural nouns (countable & uncountable)
ANOTHER: with singular, countable nouns (Box: Note: when the indefinite article ‘an’ is put before ‘other’, it becomes one word ‘another’)
THE OTHER: the 2nd of two things OR the opposite of a set of two
Slide 5:
First, let’s consider OTHER. Here are some examples:
Slide 6:
The picture shows a sales assistant in a shop with bags beside her.
Sentence: We asked the sales assistant if she had any other styles.
Slide 7:
Note: ‘other’ is used before the plural noun ‘styles’
In other words: Do you have any additional or different styles?
Slide 8:
The picture shows a teenage girl practicing on her cello. The circular picture shows a teenager playing a bass guitar.
Sentence: During her teenage years she developed a love for classical music. Many teenagers prefer other music such as rock & roll.
Slide 9:
Note: ‘other’ is used before an uncountable noun – ‘music’
In other words: Many teenagers prefer different music, alternative music, such as rock & roll.
Slide 10:
Next, let’s consider ANOTHER. Here are some examples:
Slide 11:
In the picture we see two friends drinking coffee.
Sentence: She asked her friend: “Would you like another cup of coffee?”
Slide 12:
Note: ‘another’ is used before the singular, countable noun ‘cup’
In other words: Would you like an extra cup of coffee, an additional one? You could say: Would you like another one?
Slide 13:
In the picture we see a room being painted a turquoise colour.
Sentence: If you don’t mind me saying, “I think you should find another colour!”
Slide 14:
Note: ‘another’ is used before the singular, countable noun ‘colour’
In other words: I think you should find a different, alternative colour.
Slide 15:
Finally, let’s consider THE OTHER. Here are some examples:
Slide 16:
The picture shows a street scene.
Sentence: “I think the bank is on the other side of the street.”
Slide 17:
Note: ‘the other’ refers to the 2nd of two things, in this case, sides of the street.
In other words: I think the bank is on the opposite side of the street.
Slide 18:
In the picture we see two old cars in immaculate condition.
Sentence: Which car do you like more, the one on the left or the other one?
Slide 19:
Note: ‘the other’ refers to the 2nd of two things, in this case, two cars
In other words: Do you like the car on the left or the car on the right?
Slide 20: OK, now we have seen the difference between OTHER ANOTHER and THE OTHER, let’s have a quick review so you can test yourself.
Slide 21:
If you don’t mind me saying, “I think you should find __ colour!”
Slide 22:
Answer: another
Slide 23:
Which car do you like more, the one on the left or __ one?
Slide 24:
Answer: the other
Slide 25:
She asked her friend: “Would you like __ cup of coffee?”
Slide 26:
Answer: another
Slide 27:
We asked the sales assistant if she had any __ styles.
Slide 28:
other
Slide 29:
“I think the bank is on __ side of the street.”
Slide 30:
Answer: the other
Slide 31:
During her teenage years she developed a love for classical music. Many teenagers prefer __ music such as rock & roll.
Slide 32:
Answer: other
Slide 33:
So in summary, other – another – the other can all mean: something additional or extra, or an alternative or different one. However,
use OTHER with plural nouns (countable and uncountable)
ANOTHER with singular, countable nouns, and
THE OTHER with the 2nd of two things, or the opposite of a set of two.
Slide 34:
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As you are interested in correct word usage such as OTHER ANOTHER THE OTHER – The Difference, check these other words which are sometimes confused:
What is the Meaning of OVERWHELMED and UNDERWHELMED?
Image Credits
Slides 5, 6, 27, 28 – sales assistant
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Slides 7, 8, 31, 32 – teenager with cello
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teenager with guitar
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Slides 12, 13, 25, 26 – drinking coffee
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Slides 14, 15, 21, 22 – painting
Royalty Free Stock photos by Vecteezy
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Slides 16, 17, 29, 30 – street
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Slides 19, 20, 23, 24 – cars
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Regarding the use of illustrations and photographs used in this video:
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Others are allowed to copy, distribute, display, and perform copyrighted work – and derivative works based upon it if they give credit to the creator or source.
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