Used with singular countable nouns.
another cup of tea, another day, another problem
not another mistake
Would you like another slice of cake?
OTHER + Plural/Uncountable Noun | OTHERS = Pronoun (no noun) | THE OTHER = Remaining item.
other people, some people... others, the other hand
no other choice
Where are the other students?
| Example / Question | Positive / Short Answer | Negative / Short Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Another + Singular Noun | another apple | Not: another apples |
| Other + Plural Noun | other books | Not: others books |
| Others (Standalone Pronoun) | Some agree, others disagree. | No noun follows "others" |
| Rule | Base / Standard Form | Applied Form |
|---|---|---|
| No Noun After "Others" | The word "others" is ALREADY a plural pronoun. NEVER place a noun after "others"! | other students (CORRECT) vs others students (WRONG) |
| Another with Numbers Rule | You can use "another" with plural nouns ONLY when preceded by a number! | another two weeks, another three days |
| An + Other = Another | Remember that "another" comes from "an + other", which is why it goes with singular countable nouns. | another book (an + other book) |
Use another when requesting one more item of the same kind.
Use "some... others" to contrast different people or choices.
Use "the other" when selecting the last remaining option out of two.
Because "three days" is treated as a single time period block, so "another" is permitted before numbers + plural nouns.
They mean the same thing (nhau)! Traditionally "each other" was for 2 people and "one another" for 3+, but in modern English they are interchangeable.
Use "other" when referring to indefinite/general additional items ("other people"). Use "THE other" when referring to a specific, limited remaining item ("the other shoe").
