Another, Other, Others, The other, The others are extremely popular grammar topics in English exams, especially in IELTS test skills. Although this knowledge is not too difficult, it will require you to have a good grasp of how to use it to easily conquer high scores in the exam.
This article will help you clearly understand how to distinguish Other and Others, The Other and The Others, and Another in English. Follow the article with IDP and take notes.
1. Definite vs Indefinite Reference
Definite reference means something already mentioned or known:
She has two sons. One is a teacher and the other is a doctor.
Ann is holding a bag in one hand and turning the door handle with the other.
Indefinite reference refers to unspecified items or groups:
If he drives too fast, his car may crash into others (other cars in general).
2. Other / Others
Other means “different” or “another,” typically followed by uncountable or plural nouns when unspecified:
Other reading can increase stress.
Other students come from Korea.
I don’t like this book. I want other ones, please.
Others acts as a pronoun replacing “other ones” or plural nouns:
Some students like the headmaster while others hate him.
Remember: You cannot place another noun directly after Others since it is already a pronoun.
3. The Other / The Others
The other + singular noun: refers to the remaining one of two:
This company is new. The other is about 20 years old.
The other + plural noun: refers to the rest of a group:
The red car and black car were broken. The other cars are still good.
Jack and John are here, but where are the other men?
As pronouns:
She has two laptops, one grey and the other black.
She held a book in one hand and a laptop in the other.
The others (plural noun): refers to the remainder of people or items:
Some friends are here. The others will come later.
4. Another
Another + singular countable noun: means “one more” or “an additional one”:
Would you like another drink?
I ate my cake already; give me another.
Another alone (pronoun):
I have eaten one cake. Give me another.
With plurals or numbers:
What will you gain in another two years?
He gave the boy another ten dollars.
5. Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Fill in with Another / Other / Others / The other / The others
Three friends live in Boston. One is a doctor, one is a dentist, and the other has no job. Craig also has another problem. His last girlfriend left him for another man. The other man was rich and handsome. I told Craig don’t worry; there are many other girls in the world.
Exercise 2: Fill in blanks
Yes, I know Brigit, but who is the other woman next to her?
She’s dating another man. Does her boyfriend know?
Tom and Jane have four children. They put the children to bed while the others did the cooking.
Rachel and Jeff are watching TV. The other girls are out.
You’ve had six whiskies. Only six? Give me another!
We still need another piano player.
We don’t like these curtains. Show us some other ones.
I found one black shoe, but I can’t find the other.
I have two cars. One is red and the other is blue.
I have read this book. Can you recommend another one?
We need to find another solution to this problem.
Some friends are here. The others are coming later.
I don’t like these shoes. Can I see other ones?
I don’t like this shirt. Can I try another one?
I have two dogs. One is a poodle and the other is a husky.
Exercise 3: Select the correct form
I have been to Japan, Singapore, and many other countries.
I’d like another coke, please.
Where is another sock? Only one on the rack.
I think you should meet other people.
I’ve talked to David and Lisa, but not to the others yet.
She has two sisters. One is tall and elegant and the other is short but cute.
Ask me another question if you wish.
Forget it. We have other problems to solve.
Only three printers work; the others don’t.
Some said yes, some said no, and others remained silent.
Answers:
the other 2. another 3. another 4. other 5. the others 6. the other 7. another 8. other 9. the others 10. others
6. Summary Table
Term | Use | Examples |
|---|---|---|
Other | General unspecified others | Other students, other ones |
Others | Pronoun replacing plural noun | Some like him, others hate him |
The other | The remaining one (out of two) | One is red, the other is blue |
The others | The rest of many | Some came early; the others arrived later |
Another | One more (singular) / extra | Another drink, another ten dollars |
Mastering these usage rules helps avoid mistakes and makes your writing more precise. Practice often to improve your accuracy and confidence in IELTS and general English.
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Hope this helps you confidently use these grammar points and achieve your desired score soon.