English Reference

Word

other

Phoneticsoth·er, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈəðɝ/

UK/ˈʌðɐ/

Definition

adj. used to talk about a person or thing that is different from the one you already mentioned. You use it when there are more things in a group or a second choice available.

adj. referring to a person or thing that is distinct from one already mentioned or implied. Often used to indicate the remaining part of a set or an alternative category.

Examples

“I have one red pen and three other pens.”

“If this hotel is full, we will have to look for other places to stay in the city.”

“While some researchers focused on the primary symptoms, other teams investigated the long-term psychological effects on the patient population.”

Examples

simple

“I have one red pen and three other pens.”

contextual

“If this hotel is full, we will have to look for other places to stay in the city.”

complex

“While some researchers focused on the primary symptoms, other teams investigated the long-term psychological effects on the patient population.”

Usage

Typically placed before a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. When used with a singular countable noun, it usually requires a determiner like 'the', 'my', or 'another'.

Pitfall

I have other book to read.

I have another book to read.

When referring to a single alternative item, 'another' is used; 'other' requires a plural noun or a determiner like 'the other'.

Confusables

other vs another

Another is used with singular countable nouns, while other is used with plural or uncountable nouns.

RememberAnother = An + Other (singular only).

Word family

ADJECTIVE

Other(A1)

PRONOUN

Related words

anothereach otherflukein other wordson the other handsignificant other

Domain

Philosophy

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Frequency
Very common
Level
A1 · BeginnerOxford
Updated

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English Reference