Other and Another

A simple rule to help you remember the difference between other and another is:

Another + singular non-specific noun. For example: I want another holiday in Malta.

Other + plural noun. For example: I want other holidays in Malta.

Another

Another is used to refer to one more or additional. For example: I’d like another piece of cake. (In this sentence the word ‘piece’ is both countable and singular. The speaker doesn’t care which piece of cake he gets, he just wants more cake.)

Another can also be used to refer to something that is different, or an alternative. For example: I’m going to live in another city next month.

Note that another can sometimes be used with plural nouns. For example: This contract is valid for another five years. (Although ‘five years’ is plural it is considered one/singular period.) Note also that you cannot say ‘the another…’

Other

Other is used to refer to a person or thing that is different to the one already mentioned. For example: Which jacket should I wear? This one or the other one?

Other is also used with a plural noun. For example: This book contains other information about Malta. (In this sentence ‘information’ is both uncountable and plural.)

Complete the following sentences using ‘other’ or ‘another’.

1. I am going to invite ……….person to the party.
2. I am going to invite ………..people to the party.
3. One guest came to the party by car……….on foot.
4. She likes red shoes, but she wears……….shoes also.
5. I have found one red shoe, but I can’t find the……….
6. Would you like to have ……….ice cream?
7. I think we should go to ………..restaurant.
8. I think we should go to the ………part of the zoo.
9. I think we should go to……….part of the zoo.
10. There is a special offer at the supermarket: Buy one pack of biscuits and get …………free.

ANSWERS

1. I am going to invite ANOTHER person to the party.
2. I am going to invite OTHER people to the party.
3. One guest came to the party by car ANOTHER on foot.
4. She likes red shoes, but she wears OTHER shoes also.
5. I have found one red shoe, but I can’t find the OTHER.
6. Would you like to have ANOTHER ice cream?
7. I think we should go to ANOTHER restaurant.
8. I think we should go to the OTHER part of the zoo.
9. I think we should go to ANOTHER part of the zoo.
10. There is a special offer at the supermarket: Buy one pack of biscuits and get ANOTHER free.