other, others, the other, another
Hi, in today's lesson we're going to look at the difference between the words other others the other and another.
This video has been requested by Anshul Sherawat,
Anshul, thanks for thesuggestion and I hope it helps you feel more confident in using these words.
So, the most important thing you need to know
is that they can be used as determiners and pronouns.
So, what's the difference?
Well, determiners qualify a noun,
whereas a pronoun is when we replace the noun.
They both mean the same and that is
something that is additional or extra, it might be an alternative or different
types of something and this is why I see many students confuse how to use them.
Also, do note that another is the indefinite article of "an" plus "other"
but we do write it as one word, "another."
So, first up let's look at them as determiners
that is when we use them with a noun.
Remember, also, determiners tell us whether the noun is general or specific.
So, to simplify things the general rule is
that with singular countable nouns we can use another
and here it's meaning is additional.
So, "I need another book."
here book is a singular countable noun
and you want an additional book, so you use "another" and not "other"
or "Would you like another cup of coffee?"
here, it's an additional cup of coffee,
the countable noun a cup of coffee,
whereas with plural countable nouns and uncountable nouns we can use "other"
So, for instance, "I need other books." Books is a plural countable noun and you want additional books.
So, also you could say, "I have invited some other people to the party."
People here is an uncountable noun and you have invited alternative
or additional people to the party.
But, if only it was that simple!
I'm now going to show you that you can use "other" with singular countable nouns
and another with plural nouns!
I know!
But you have to make some other changes to the sentence
So, if we're referring to the second of two things or people or the opposite of a set of two
we use "other" with singular countable nouns but if we use "other" we
must use another determiner before it.
So, for instance, "I don't like the red one I prefer the other colour."
not "I prefer other colour," and we have previously
mentioned, one of two things.
Or, "Bill is working now but our other son is still at university."
Here we're talking about the second of two sons.
and we can use "another" with plural countable nouns
if we put a number between "another" and the noun.
So, "I'm going to spend another three days working on my project."
Here, we're referring to an additional three days and here days is a plural noun
So, we must have a number between "another" and the plural noun.
We can also use "the other" with a plural noun
and this means the remaining people or things in a group or set.
So, for instance, "Jay and Mary are here but where are the other children?"
In other words, the remaining children in a group.
Where are the other two dinner plates? I can only find four.
Here, we're referring to the remaining things in a set, here of six plates .
Also, when "other" is used as a determiner it does not have a plural form
So, for instance, "These shoes are too big. Do you have any other shoes?"
Here, we're qualifying the noun shoes and not replacing it
so "other" is used as a determiner and not a pronoun.
Shoes is a plural noun but "other" is written with no "s"
So, you don't say, "Do you have any others shoes?"
We can also say "another" to qualify the pronoun "one"
and "other" to qualify the pronoun "ones."
For example, "I have already eaten two sandwiches but I still want another one"
an additional sandwich.
"We don't need those chairs,
we need other ones."
"Other ones" is replacing other chairs.
Here we have the pronoun "ones"
and the meaning is clear from the text before that we
are referring to the chairs.
So, now let's look at when we use "others"
and "another" as pronouns
that is replacing a noun.
Firstly, you can't have "other" with no "s" as a pronoun
it is only "others" with an "s."
If you're replacing a plural noun, you use "others" with an "s."
Others with an "s" is only a pronoun
and not a determiner.
So, you would say, "I don't want those sandwiches.
Do you have any others?
In other words, any other sandwiches.
or, "Some of my friends arrived tonight,
others arrive tomorrow."
In other words, other friends.
Here, we're replacing the noun, with the pronoun "others."
Finally, let's look at "another" as a pronoun,
that is when it replaces the singular noun.
So, you could say,
"That drink was refreshing, I think I'll have another."
an additional drink.
So, that's it for now,
I hope you're feeling more confident about using "other," "others," "the other and another."
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so you never miss a lesson and there are more lessons in this playlist that you may enjoy too!
So, that's it for now but I'll see you very, very soon! Bye, bye!
other, others, the other, another