Another vs. Other — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 22, 2023
"Another" refers to an additional or different item of the same type, while "other" refers to the remaining or different ones in a group.
Difference Between Another and Other
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Key Differences
"Another" and "other" are words used to indicate an alternate or additional choice. While both can often be used interchangeably, there are distinct differences. "Another" typically signifies one more, or an additional item of the same type.
"Other", in its use, usually points to the remaining ones in a set or different ones in a group. For example, if there are three apples and you're holding one, the two left would be the "other" apples.
When "another" is used, it specifically denotes a singular additional item. So, if you've read a book and want to read a different one, you'd ask for "another book". It directly implies a singular and additional entity.
Contrastingly, "other" can be singular or plural depending on context. When paired with a singular noun, it denotes one, and with a plural noun, it denotes more than one. For instance, "other book" suggests one different book, whereas "other books" indicates multiple different ones.
In essence, while "another" implies a singular additional item of a similar kind, "other" encompasses both singular and plural forms, often pointing towards different or remaining items in a set or group.
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Comparison Chart
Indication
An additional one of the same kind
The remaining or different ones
Number
Singular
Can be singular or plural
Example
I'd like another cookie.
Where are the other cookies?
Usage with Countables
Always used with singular countable nouns
Can be used with both singular and plural nouns
Meaning
One more of the same kind
Different or remaining ones
Compare with Definitions
Another
One more of the same kind.
I'll have another slice of pizza.
Other
Referring to the remaining ones.
Some kids are playing, the other kids are reading.
Another
An alternative or substitute.
We need to find another solution.
Other
Different from the one or ones already mentioned or known.
The other side of the story.
Another
An additional instance.
Not another word from you!
Other
Alternative; additional.
We can try it the other way.
Another
Extending a sequence.
Another day, another dollar.
Other
Apart from the subject or key matter.
Other than that, everything is fine.
Another
A different one of the same category.
If this shirt doesn't fit, I'll try another.
Other
Used to refer to a person or thing that is different or distinct from one already mentioned or known about
Other people found her difficult
Stick the camera on a tripod or some other means of support
A language unrelated to any other
Another
One more; an additional
Had another cup of coffee.
Other
Further; additional
Labour would have 49 MPs plus ten others
One other word of advice
Another
Distinctly different from the first
Took another route to town.
Other
Used euphemistically to refer to sexual intercourse
A bit of the other
Another
Some other
Put it off to another day.
Other
That which is distinct from, different from, or opposite to something or oneself
She needs to escape the tyranny of the Other
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.
Other
Used to refer to a person or thing that is different or distinct from one already mentioned or known about
Other people found her difficult
A language unrelated to any other
Stick the camera on a tripod or some other means of support
Another
Not the same; different.
Do you know another way to do this job?
Other
Further; additional
One other word of advice
Labour would have 49 MPs plus ten others
Another
Any or some; any different person, indefinitely; anyone else; someone else.
He has never known another like her.
Other
Used euphemistically to refer to sexual intercourse
A bit of the other
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
Other
That which is distinct from, different from, or opposite to something or oneself
She needs to escape the tyranny of the Other
Another
One that is different from the current one.
I saw one movie, but I think I will see another.
Other
View or treat (a person or group of people) as intrinsically different from and alien to oneself
A critique of the ways in which the elderly are othered by society
Another
One of a group of things of the same kind.
His interests keep shifting from one thing to another.
Other
Being the remaining one of two or more
The other ear.
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.
Other
Being the remaining ones of several
His other books are still in storage.
Another
Not the same; different.
He winks, and turns his lips another way.
Other
Different from that or those implied or specified
Any other person would tell the truth.
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.
Other
Of a different character or quality
"a strange, other dimension ... where his powers seemed to fail" (Lance Morrow).
Another
Distinctly separate from the first;
That's another (or different) issue altogether
Other
Of a different time or era either future or past
Other centuries.
Other generations.
Another
One more or an added;
Another chance
Another cup of coffee
An additional piece of pie
Other
Additional; extra
I have no other shoes.
Another
Any of various alternatives; some other;
Put it off to another (or some other) day
Other
Opposite or contrary; reverse
The other side.
Other
Alternate; second
Every other day.
Other
Of the recent past
Just the other day.
Other
The remaining one of two or more
One took a taxi, and the other walked home.
Other
Others The remaining ones of several
After her departure the others resumed the discussion.
Other
A different person or thing
One hurricane after the other.
Other
An additional person or thing
How many others will come later?.
Other
Often Other A person or thing considered to represent or epitomize difference or an outgroup. Used with the.
Other
In another way; otherwise; differently
The car performed other than perfectly.
Other
See other (determiner) below.
Other
Second.
I get paid every other week.
Other
Alien.
Other
Different.
Other
(obsolete) Left, as opposed to right.
Other
An other, another (person, etc), more often rendered as another.
I'm afraid little Robbie does not always play well with others.
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?
Other
Not the one or ones previously referred to.
Other people would do it differently.
Other
(obsolete) Otherwise.
Other
(transitive) To regard, label, or treat as an "other", as not part of the same group; to view as different and alien.
Other
(transitive) To treat as different or separate; segregate; ostracise.
Other
Either; - used with other or or for its correlative (as either . . . or are now used).
Other of chalk, other of glass.
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.
Other
Not this, but the contrary; opposite; as, the other side of a river.
Other
Alternate; second; - used esp. in connection with every; as, every other day, that is, each alternate day, every second day.
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.
Other
Otherwise.
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
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
Other
Recently past;
The other evening
Other
Of the distant past;
The early inhabitants of Europe
Former generations
In other times
Other
Very unusual; different in character or quality from the normal or expected;
A strange, other dimension...where his powers seemed to fail
Other
Remaining; left.
No other option remains.
Common Curiosities
Can "other" be used to indicate a singular entity?
Yes, "other" can be used both singularly and plurally.
Can I use "another" and "other" interchangeably?
While sometimes they might fit interchangeably, they often have distinct uses based on context.
How do I indicate one more item?
Use "another" to indicate one more item of the same type.
Can "another" be used for plural nouns?
No, "another" is used with singular nouns.
How do I refer to the remaining items in a set?
Use "other" to refer to the remaining items.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
