Another, other, others and the other can all refer to something additional or different, but they follow different grammatical patterns depending on number and whether a specific item is meant.
- Can I have another coffee? (one more, unspecified, singular)
- I have other plans tonight. (other + plural noun, unspecified)
- Some students passed; others failed. (others = a pronoun, standing alone for plural, unspecified)
- I'll take this one; you can have the other. (the other = one specific remaining item)
Another: Singular, One More or a Different One
Another is always followed by a singular countable noun and means "one more" or "a different one" — it cannot be used with plural nouns.
- Would you like another cup of tea? (one more)
- I don't like this colour; show me another one. (a different one)
- They need another two weeks to finish. (an exception: another + number + plural noun is allowed when treating the group as a single unit)
Other: Followed by a Plural or Uncountable Noun
Other is followed directly by a plural or uncountable noun, with no article, meaning "additional" or "different" items in general.
- Do you have other questions?
- I need other information before deciding.
With a singular countable noun, use another instead of other: another book, not other book.
Others: A Pronoun, Standing Alone
Others is a pronoun and replaces a plural noun already mentioned or understood — it is not followed directly by a noun.
- Some people love spicy food; others can't handle it at all.
- A few students finished early; others needed more time.
Wrong: Others students needed more time. — "others" cannot be followed directly by a noun; use "other students" instead.
The Other / The Others: A Specific, Definite Item or Group
When there is a clear, limited set (often two items or a defined group), use the other (singular) or the others (plural) to refer to the specific remaining item(s).
- I have two brothers; one lives in London, the other lives in Paris.
- Three students passed; the others will resit the exam.
Summary Table
| Word | Followed by | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
another | singular countable noun | one more / a different one (indefinite) | Have another biscuit. |
other | plural / uncountable noun | additional / different (indefinite) | I have other ideas. |
others | nothing (stands alone as pronoun) | additional/different people or things (indefinite) | Some agree; others don't. |
the other(s) | nothing, or a noun | the specific remaining item(s) (definite) | Where's the other shoe? |
Quick test: Singular and indefinite → another. Plural/uncountable and indefinite, followed by a noun → other. Plural, indefinite, standing alone → others. Specific, defined remaining item(s) → the other/the others.
Common Mistakes
-
Using another with a plural noun:
Wrong: I need another books.
Correct: I need other books. / I need another book. -
Following others directly with a noun:
Wrong: Others people disagree.
Correct: Other people disagree. / Others disagree. -
Using other instead of the other for a specific remaining item:
Wrong: I lost one glove; have you seen other?
Correct: I lost one glove; have you seen the other?
Practice Exercises
Grammar Quiz
Test your understanding with targeted questions.
Complete the Sentence
Fill in the gaps to practise the structure.
True or False
Decide whether each example sentence is correct.
Flash Cards
Drill the key rules and example sentences.
Matching Pairs
Match examples to the correct rule or category.
Unjumble
Reorder scrambled words into a correct sentence.
Practise Another, Other and Others
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between another and other?
Another is used with a singular countable noun to mean "one more" or "a different one", as in "another cup of tea". Other is used with a plural or uncountable noun, with no article, to mean additional or different items in general, as in "other questions".
Why is 'another books' incorrect?
"Another" can only be followed by a singular countable noun, so it cannot combine with the plural "books". The correct options are "other books" (plural, general) or "another book" (singular).
What is the difference between other and others?
Other is followed directly by a plural or uncountable noun, as in "other ideas". Others is a pronoun that stands alone, without a following noun, replacing a plural noun already understood, as in "Some ideas worked; others didn't."
Why is 'others people' incorrect?
"Others" functions as a pronoun and cannot be directly followed by a noun. If you want to describe additional people in general, use "other people" instead, keeping "other" as the determiner before the noun.
What is the difference between other and the other?
Other is indefinite, referring to additional or different items in general. The other is definite, referring to one specific, identifiable remaining item, usually from a known or limited set, as in "I have two shoes; where's the other one?"
When should I use the others instead of others?
Use the others when referring to a specific, known group of remaining people or things, as in "Three students passed; the others will resit the exam." Use plain others when the group being referred to is more general or not a fixed, limited set.
Can another be used with a plural noun in any case?
Yes, in one specific pattern: "another" plus a number plus a plural noun is allowed when the group is treated as a single unit of time or quantity, as in "They need another two weeks" or "another three miles."
Is another/other/others grammar useful for English learners?
Yes, this is a very high-frequency grammar point that appears constantly in everyday English, from ordering food ("another coffee") to describing groups ("some agreed, others didn't"). Mastering the singular/plural and definite/indefinite distinctions removes a very common source of errors.
What is a quick way to remember which word to use?
Think in terms of number and definiteness: singular and indefinite uses another; plural/uncountable and indefinite, followed by a noun, uses other; standing alone as a pronoun for plural and indefinite uses others; and referring to a specific, known remaining item or group uses the other or the others.
Which of these words should I learn first?
Start with the everyday core: another for one more of something singular, and other before a plural noun. Once comfortable, add others as a standalone pronoun, and finally the other/the others for specific, defined remaining items.