It can be said that the word “other” is used to refer to something else other than the thing that was previously mentioned. In contrast, the word “another” is used when talking about something entirely new and separate from what was discussed previously. For example, you can use the word “other” in a sentence like “I have one book, do you have any other books?” In this case, “other” refers to additional books that are not the one previously mentioned. On the other hand, you can use the word “another” in a sentence like “I finished my sandwich, now I want another one.” Here, “another” refers to an entirely new sandwich, separate from the one that was mentioned earlier.

The difference between “other” and “another” in English depends on some rules that should be followed when using each of them in a sentence, so that they can be used correctly.

Using “Another”

The word “another” is used to mean additional or alternative, and it can be used in sentences to refer to something additional to what was previously mentioned or to indicate something entirely different from what was discussed earlier. Examples of this include “There’s another sandwich if you’re hungry,” and “Is there another café around here we can go to?”

“Another” can be used with a singular or plural noun, or with a number, and it can also function as a determiner for the pronoun. Examples include “I’ll give you another address,” “Do you want another cup of coffee?” “I need another two weeks to finish the report,” and “That cake was delicious; I think I’ll get another one.”

It’s worth noting that in English, the singular form is often used, even when using the word “another,” but it can also be used with a plural noun if preceded by a number. This is an exception compared to the Arabic language. Examples include “(Plural noun + number + Another).”

Illustrative Example:

We cannot use the phrase “I need another weeks to finish the report” because the word “weeks” is in the plural form, and it requires the use of a number with it. However, the correct form is “I need another three weeks to finish the report,” where “three” is placed before the word “weeks,” indicating the need for three additional weeks to complete the report.

Using “Other”

The word “Other” in English can generally be used after plurals and uncountable nouns, and it can also function as a pronoun. The word “Other” comes after plurals in a sentence like “Some music calms people, other music has the opposite effect,” where it is used as a determiner for the word “music” and indicates different types of music. In the sentence “I don’t like oysters, but I love other kinds of seafood,” “Other” comes after the plural noun “kinds” and means “different types of seafood.”

Furthermore, the word “Other” can be used as a pronoun, as in the sentence “We have to solve this problem, more than any other, today,” where it is part of the reflexive pronoun referring to the word “problem.” “Other” can be used as a pronoun in many other contexts, such as the sentence “I don’t like this shirt, do you have any other colors?” which means “I don’t like this shirt, do you have different colors?”

The word “Other” in English is also used to indicate alternatives or other options and can be used as a pronoun to refer to something specific related to the context in which the pronoun is used. It’s beneficial to learn how to use “Other” correctly in English sentences to improve your language skills and expand your vocabulary.

Famous Sentences Demonstrating the Difference Between “Another” and “Other” from GoTalky:

I already have a pen, but I need another one for my notebook.

I don’t like this shirt, so I’ll try another one.

I need other books to read during my vacation.

I have other plans for tonight, sorry I can’t join you.

Another cup of coffee, please.

I don’t want this pizza, can we order another one with different toppings?

I lost my phone, can I use another one until I find it?

I have other hobbies besides reading books.

Another year has passed, it’s time to celebrate my birthday again.

I’m tired of this movie, let’s watch another one.

I need another pair of shoes for this outfit.

I want to try another restaurant for dinner tonight.

I have other friends who I want to invite to the party.

Another day, another dollar.

I don’t like this color, can you show me another one?

In conclusion, the words “Other” and “Another” in English are used to indicate something additional or alternative. “Other” comes after plurals or uncountable nouns and can function as a determiner for pronouns. “Another” always comes after singular countable nouns and can also come after numbers and then nouns in the plural form. Remember that the difference between the two words depends on the noun that follows them, whether it is singular, plural, or uncountable. You should use them correctly in the sentence context to showcase your language skills effectively.