Learn English Vocabulary – Another vs. Other

What is the difference between another and other?

Another and other are similar words that are often confused. Let’s have a look at how these words are used.

We use another when we talk about “one more of the same thing” that was already mentioned.

• I had a cup of coffee, but I want to have another cup (one more cup).
• I have two computers. One is in my office and another one is in my house (one more computer).
• Jim is rich. He has a house in Manhattan, and another one in LA.

We also use another when we talk about “a thing that is different” from the thing that was already mentioned.

• I had a cup of coffee, so I would like another drink (a different drink)
• The pizza shop was closed on Sunday, so I went to another one (a different pizza shop).
• Jack has a sales job during the week, but he has another job as a waiter on the weekend.

We can also use other when we talk about “a thing that is different” from the thing that was already mentioned. However, we use other with a determiner such as some or the.

• I had a cup of coffee, so I would like some other drink (some different drink)
• The pizza shop was closed on Sunday, so I went to the other one in town (the different pizza shop).
• Jack has a sales job during the week, but he has some other job on the weekend.

Note that we do not use other without a determiner such as some or the with singular nouns:

• I had a cup of coffee, so I would like other drink
• The pizza shop was closed on Sunday, so I went to other one in town

But…we can use other without a determiner with plural nouns:

• I drink coffee during the day, but I drink other drinks during the day.
• If my favorite pizza shop is closed, there are other pizza shops I can have lunch in.

Keep in mind the best way to remember this or any vocabulary in English is to take the word or phrase write it in a sentence that’s true for you or true in your world and then memorize your sentences.

You can even take your sentences and write them in the comments below. I would love to see your examples. And if you really want help with vocabulary, sign up for my free vocabulary workshop (see below).

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