Quick answer: Else follows indefinite pronouns (someone, nobody, everything) and question words (who, what, where, how): Is there anything else? / Who else was there? Other is an adjective or pronoun used with nouns: other people, the other side, others. For a fuller definition, see the Cambridge Dictionary entry for ‘else’.
Comparison Table
| Word | Part of Speech | Follows | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| else | adverb modifier | pronouns (someone, nothing), question words (who, what, where) | Nobody else came. Where else can we go? |
| other | adjective / pronoun | nouns; the + other; others (plural) | The other team won. Others disagreed. |
Using Else
Else is used after indefinite pronouns (someone, anyone, no one, everyone, something, anything, nothing, everything) and after question words (who, what, where, when, how, why). It means “additional” or “different.”
Is there anything else I can help you with?
Nobody else knew about the plan.
Where else did you visit?
Who else was at the meeting?
What else do you need?
Else’s / Or Else
The possessive of else is else’s: “That’s someone else’s bag.” Or else is a fixed phrase meaning “otherwise/or there will be consequences”: “Hurry up, or else we’ll be late.”
Is this someone else’s coat?
Do your homework, or else you won’t go out.
It must be somebody else’s mistake.
Using Other
Other is an adjective or pronoun meaning “different,” “additional,” or “the remaining one(s).” It modifies nouns directly and changes form depending on context.
The other students left early.
Do you have any other questions?
I’ll try the other route.
Others may disagree with this view.
Another vs. The Other vs. Others
Another = one more (singular, indefinite); The other = the remaining one (specific, singular); The others = the remaining ones (specific, plural); Others = different people/things (plural, indefinite):
Could I have another coffee? (one more)
One twin is tall; the other is short. (specific remaining one)
Two students stayed; the others left. (specific remaining group)
Some people agreed; others did not. (indefinite group)
Common Mistakes
✗ Someone other left a message for you.
✓ Someone else left a message for you.
Note: after indefinite pronouns (someone, anyone, etc.), use else — not other.
✗ I need else time to finish.
✓ I need more time to finish. / I need extra time to finish.
Note: else cannot directly precede a noun. Use other (adjective) before nouns: “other time,” “other people.”
✗ That is someone elses problem.
✓ That is someone else’s problem.
Note: else has a possessive form: else’s. Treat else as part of “someone else” → someone else’s.
Also worth studying: Another vs Other, Accept vs Except, Already vs Yet. Browse all confusing word pairs →
Quick Check: Else or Other?
Four questions — choose the correct word for each sentence.
1. “Nobody ___ was invited to the party.”
2. “The ___ students finished the exam early.”
3. “What ___ did she say?”
4. “She moved to the ___ side of the room.”
Sharpen Your English with Free Exercises
Practice else, other, another, and hundreds more words with interactive exercises.
Start Practising →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between else and other?
Else follows indefinite pronouns (someone else, nobody else) and question words (what else, where else). Other is an adjective or pronoun used before or instead of nouns: “other people,” “the others.”
Can I say “someone other”?
No. After indefinite pronouns (someone, anyone, nobody, etc.), you must use else: “someone else,” “nobody else,” “anyone else.” “Someone other” is not standard English.
How do I use “else’s”?
Else’s is the possessive form. Treat the whole phrase (e.g., “someone else”) as a unit, then add ’s: “someone else’s bag,” “nobody else’s fault.” Do not write “someone’s else” — that is incorrect.
What does “or else” mean?
Or else is a fixed phrase meaning “otherwise” with a threat implied: “Be on time, or else.” It can also mean “or alternatively”: “You can take the bus, or else walk.”
What is the difference between “other” and “another”?
Another = one more, indefinite singular: “another coffee.” Other (with the) = the specific remaining one: “the other twin.” Others = different people/things: “Some agreed; others didn’t.”
Can “else” be used with who, what, where?
Yes. Who else, what else, where else, when else, how else, and why else are all common question forms: “Who else knows?” / “What else can I do?”
Is “others” a pronoun or adjective?
Others (without a noun following) is a pronoun: “Some people like it; others don’t.” Other (followed by a noun) is an adjective: “other people.” The others (with the) refers to a specific known group: “Take the others with you.”
Can other come after a preposition?
Yes: “on the other side,” “for other reasons,” “among others.” Else, however, does not follow prepositions directly — it follows pronouns and question words.
What is the difference between “else” and “additional”?
Else suggests “different” or “more of a different kind”: “What else do you want?” Additional means “more of the same kind”: “Do you have any additional questions?” In practice, “else” after “anything” and “additional” before a noun cover slightly different nuances.
How do else and other appear in IELTS writing?
In IELTS, other is very common as an adjective and pronoun: “Other factors include...” / “Others argue that...” Else is common in spoken English and informal writing: “What else can be done?” Using them correctly demonstrates command of English pronouns and determiners.