Another and other both come under the category of indefinite pronoun, that does not directly point out any other object or person. These are commonly juxtaposed, due to a little bit of similarity in their meanings. However, they are distinct in the sense that another means additional person or object, which can be similar to or different than the one you already have.
On the other hand, other also means extra or more, person or thing, except the one that you already stated, i.e. remaining. Read out the examples for a clear and better understanding of these two:
- Do you like to have another ice cream? Or You would like to have something other than this?
- I think we should go to another restaurant, to give a chance to others also.
In the first sentence, another is used to mean one more, whereas other means different. In our next example, another means any other restaurant, than the one you usually go, while, other, means new or rest here.
Content: Another Vs Other
Comparison Chart
Basis for Comparison | Another | Other |
---|---|---|
Meaning | Another means someone or something else. It implies the other one which can be same or different. | Other implies someone or something which is not similar to the one previously specified or known. |
Used with | Usually with singular noun, but sometimes with plural noun also. | Plural noun |
Part of speech | Determiner and pronoun | Determiner, pronoun and adjective |
Pronunciation | əˈnʌðə | ˈʌðə |
Examples | Would you like to have another pizza? | We will meet some other day. |
Is there another word for 'procrastinate'. | I think we should visit the other side of the zoo. | |
There is another room in the hotel. | Do you know the other person involved in this crime? |
Definition of Another
The word ‘another’ implies an additional with respect to someone or something of the same type or a different one, as already specified or known.
Basically, we use ‘another’ when we are talking about singular non-specific countable nouns because with specific countable nouns we use ‘that’. Further, we can use another with plural noun also, but there must be number or quantity before the noun. Let’s have a look at the points below to understand its usage:
- It is used to refer one more or additional:
- Singular non-specific Countable noun
- I have started reading another novel.
- Peter is about to buy another i-phone.
- Plural noun
- The sim card is valid for another five years.
- The borrower is given another few weeks to pay the debt.
- Singular non-specific Countable noun
- It also represents different or alternative:
- Singular non-specific Countable noun
- Recently I have exchanged my washing machine with another.
- Next month, I will move to another city.
- We can try another burger here.
- Plural Noun
- There is an offer in Big Bazaar, in which if you buy one biscuit pack and get another two packs absolutely free.
- Singular non-specific Countable noun
Definition of Other
‘Other’ is used to denote a person or thing apart from the one already specified or known. It may also refer to the second one of the two items or people. Sometimes, it also indicates the remaining item or thing in the set or group.
- As a determiner
- It implies additional things than those already mentioned:
- There is only one other umbrella in the shop.
- Only a few employees are on time, while the others are always late.
- It is used to denote alternative or different:
- There is no other internet cafe in this area.
- Is there any other person, who can give the right information?
- Which sandal should I wear? This one or the other one?
- At the end of any list indicating more articles, without specifying their names:
- In this mixed vegetable, there are potato, tomato, onion, garlic, cauliflower and other green leafy vegetables.
- It implies additional things than those already mentioned:
- As a pronoun
- It implies the second one of the two items you have or the item with is left in a set:
- I have got one shoe – Did you see the other one?
- Some people in my office like cricket while the others have no interest in it at all.
- It implies the second one of the two items you have or the item with is left in a set:
Key Differences Between Another and Other
The difference between another and other can be drawn clearly on the following grounds:
- The word ‘another’ means an extra or additional, which may be similar to or different than the one you already have an idea of or specifically stated. In contrast, ‘other’ can be understood as a person or thing which is not included in the one previously talked about, i.e. it represents the left out people or items.
- Another is mainly used with a singular non-specific countable noun, but it can also be used with plural nouns also. As against, ‘other’ is used with plural nouns.
- While another can be used as a determiner and pronoun, other can be used as a determiner, pronoun and adjective.
Examples
Another
- Alia took admission in another school, for better studies.
- Can I have another ice cream?
- I don’t think there is another way to reach the hotel.
Other
- Did you like this dress or the other one?
- Don’t think more about what other people think about you.
- One boy is sitting in the waiting room, while the other one is giving an interview.
How to remember the difference
A noteworthy tip to remember the difference between them is that both another and other are determiners, but another precedes singular countable nouns or pronouns. Conversely, other precedes a plural countable as well as uncountable nouns and pronouns.
Deepshikha says
Surbhi do you write all your articles or do have other writers contribute?
Ludmila says
Great explanation. It has been helpful for ordinary teachers. Thanks a million.