1. “Other”

Meaning: “Other” refers to something different or additional in a general sense and is usually used with plural or uncountable nouns.

• When to Use: Use “other” when you’re talking about more than one thing or something that is indefinite.
• Examples:
  • “I have other plans tonight.” (Different or additional plans)
  • “Do you have any other questions?” (More questions)
  • “There are many other things to do.” (Additional things)

2. “The Other”

Meaning: “The other” is used to refer to the remaining part of a specific set or to specify one thing or person in a pair or group.

• When to Use: Use “the other” when you are talking about something specific or the last part of a known group or set.
• Examples:
  • “I have two siblings. One is a doctor, and the other is a teacher.” (Specific reference to the second sibling)
  • “She took one apple; the other apples are still on the table.” (Referring to the rest of the apples in a defined group)
  • “I lost one glove, but I found the other.” (Referring to a specific pair)

3. “Another”

Meaning: “Another” means “one more” or “an additional one” and is used with singular countable nouns.

• When to Use: Use “another” when referring to an additional or different person or thing that is singular.
• Examples:
  • “I would like another cup of coffee.” (One more cup)
  • “Can we try another method?” (A different method)
  • “He bought another book yesterday.” (An additional book)

🔄 Comparison Summary Table

🎭 Helpful Analogy

Think of a box of chocolates 🍫:

• If you take one and see more chocolates, you might say, “I want other chocolates” (referring to any in general).
• If you pick one specific piece, you might say, “I want the other piece” (referring to one specific chocolate left or remaining).
• If you finish it and want one more, you’d say, “Can I have another chocolate?” (referring to one additional chocolate).

📝 Practice Time

Fill in the blanks with “other,” “the other,” or “another”:

1. “There are many _______ options available for dinner.”
2. “He ate one piece of cake, but left _______ piece for his friend.”
3. “I need _______ pen. This one is out of ink.”
4. “There were three books on the shelf. One was missing, and _______ two were still there.”

✅ Answers:

1. other
2. the other
3. another
4. the other