Another vs. Other: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 23, 2024
"Another" refers to an additional or different one of the same type, while "Other" implies a remaining or alternative one, different from the mentioned.
Key Differences
"Another" and "Other" are often used to refer to something additional or different, but their use and context differ. "Another" is typically used to indicate an additional item of the same type already mentioned or known about. On the other hand, "Other" refers to someone or something that is different from or remains apart from what has been mentioned or known.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024
In grammar, "Another" is used as a determiner or pronoun to refer to an additional person or thing of the same type. For example, "I'll have another cookie." In contrast, "Other" is used as a determiner, pronoun, or adjective, usually to refer to something distinct from what has already been mentioned, as in "Other people think differently."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024
The use of "Another" often implies a singular additional item, similar to what is already considered. For instance, "Let's watch another movie." In contrast, "Other" can refer to one or several entities that are different, and it's often used in plural forms, like "The other days were sunny."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024
"Another" can also suggest a substitute or a different one of the same kind, such as in "I don't like this one; I'll try another." Whereas "Other" is used to denote the remaining or the rest of a group, distinct from the first, as in "The other book is on the shelf."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024
In usage, "Another" indicates a closeness or similarity to a subject, whereas "Other" introduces elements of contrast or difference. For example, "I'd like another piece of cake" versus "I don't like this flavor; I want the other one."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Basic Meaning
Additional or different item of the same type
Remaining or alternative, different from the mentioned
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024
Grammar Use
Determiner or pronoun for singular additional item
Determiner, pronoun, or adjective for distinct entities
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Jan 23, 2024
Implication
Similarity to what is already considered
Contrast or difference from what is mentioned
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024
Contextual Use
Substitute or additional of the same kind
The rest of a group, distinct from the first
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024
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Another and Other Definitions
Another
Different but similar item
I don't like this hat; I'll try on another.
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Jan 09, 2024
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Other
Being the remaining ones of several
His other books are still in storage.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Other
Different from that or those implied or specified
Any other person would tell the truth.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Other
Of a different character or quality
"a strange, other dimension ... where his powers seemed to fail" (Lance Morrow).
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Other
Of a different time or era either future or past
Other centuries.
Other generations.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Another
One more/further, in addition to a former number; a second or additional one, similar in likeness or in effect.
Yes, I'd like another slice of cake, thanks.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Another
Any or some; any different person, indefinitely; anyone else; someone else.
He has never known another like her.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Another
An additional one of the same kind.
This napkin fell to the floor, could you please bring me another?
There is one sterling and here is another
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Another
One that is different from the current one.
I saw one movie, but I think I will see another.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Other
The remaining one of two or more
One took a taxi, and the other walked home.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Another
One of a group of things of the same kind.
His interests keep shifting from one thing to another.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Other
Others The remaining ones of several
After her departure the others resumed the discussion.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Another
One more, in addition to a former number; a second or additional one, similar in likeness or in effect.
Another yet! - a seventh! I 'll see no more.
Would serve to scale another Hero's tower.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Another
Any or some; any different person, indefinitely; any one else; some one else.
Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth.
While I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Other
Often Other A person or thing considered to represent or epitomize difference or an outgroup. Used with the.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Another
Distinctly separate from the first;
That's another (or different) issue altogether
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Other
In another way; otherwise; differently
The car performed other than perfectly.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Another
One more or an added;
Another chance
Another cup of coffee
An additional piece of pie
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Another
Any of various alternatives; some other;
Put it off to another (or some other) day
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Other
An other, another (person, etc), more often rendered as another.
I'm afraid little Robbie does not always play well with others.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Other
The other one; the second of two.
One boat is not better than the other.
Why not tell one or other of your parents?
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Other
Not the one or ones previously referred to.
Other people would do it differently.
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Jan 05, 2024
Other
(transitive) To regard, label, or treat as an "other", as not part of the same group; to view as different and alien.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Other
(transitive) To treat as different or separate; segregate; ostracise.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Other
Either; - used with other or or for its correlative (as either . . . or are now used).
Other of chalk, other of glass.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Other
Different from that which, or the one who, has been specified; not the same; not identical; additional; second of two.
Each of them made other for to win.
Whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Other
Alternate; second; - used esp. in connection with every; as, every other day, that is, each alternate day, every second day.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Other
Left, as opposed to right.
A distaff in her other hand she had.
Bind my hair up: as 't was yesterday?No, nor t' other day.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Other
Not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied;
Today isn't any other day
The construction of highways and other public works
He asked for other employment
Any other person would tell the truth
His other books are still in storage
Then we looked at the other house
Hearing was good in his other ear
The other sex
She lived on the other side of the street from me
Went in the other direction
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Other
Further or added;
Called for additional troops
Need extra help
An extra pair of shoes
I have no other shoes
There are other possibilities
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Other
Of the distant past;
The early inhabitants of Europe
Former generations
In other times
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Other
Very unusual; different in character or quality from the normal or expected;
A strange, other dimension...where his powers seemed to fail
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 05, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Does "another" imply a similar kind?
Yes, "another" often refers to something similar.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024
Does "another" refer to additional items?
Yes, it refers to an additional item of the same type.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024
Can "another" be used with uncountable nouns?
Usually, it's used with countable nouns.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024
Is "other" used to differentiate?
Yes, it's used to refer to something different.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024
Does "other" always mean the opposite?
Not necessarily opposite, but different or remaining.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024
Does "another" always mean one more?
Often, but it can also mean a different one of the same type.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024
Is "another" used for countable nouns?
Yes, typically for singular countable nouns.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024
Can "other" refer to people?
Yes, as in "other people have different opinions."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024
Is "another" formal or informal?
It's neutral and used in both formal and informal contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024
Does "other" always follow a noun?
Not always, it can stand alone as a pronoun.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024
Does "other" imply exclusion?
Yes, it often refers to what is not included in the first group.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024
Can "another" suggest a replacement?
Yes, it can suggest an alternative of the same kind.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024
Can "other" be used to refer to additional things?
Yes, but it usually implies things that are different.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024
Is "other" used with specific or general items?
"Other" can be used with both specific and general items.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024
Is "other" commonly used in comparisons?
Yes, it's often used to compare and contrast.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 23, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.