Other vs Others
What’s the difference between them?
Other
Meaning:
Other can mean a different one of a kind, or referring to a thing not already mentioned.
Examples:
1. I'm not sure if this is what you're looking for, but there's other options to consider.
2. Other people have had this problem before, so you're not alone.
3. We should look at other ways to approach this issue.
Others
Meaning:
Others refers to people or several things that are not included in a group being referred to.
Examples:
1. Others have had much success in this endeavor.
2. I will defer to the opinion of others.
3. I find solace in the company of others.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Other
Additional
alternative
Same
Others
other people
There are no direct antonyms for this word.
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Other", "Others".
1. Use mnemonic for other: 'One other option.'
2. Use mnemonic for others: 'Many others agree.'
3. Other: Visualize a single item standing apart from a group.
4. Others: Picture a group of items separate from another larger group.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
When to use the word 'Other'?
The word 'other' is used as an adjective to describe a person or thing that is different or distinct from the one previously mentioned. For example, 'This shirt is too small, I need to find the other one.' Here, 'other' is used to refer to a shirt that is different from the one already mentioned.
When to use the word 'Others'?
The word 'others' is used as a pronoun to refer to a group of people or things that are distinct from the one previously mentioned. For example, 'This shirt is too small, others will fit better.' Here, 'others' is used to refer to a group of shirts that are different from the one already mentioned.
Do the words have the same pronunciation?
No, the words 'other' and 'others' are not pronounced the same. 'Other' is pronounced as /ˈʌð.ɚ/, while 'others' is pronounced as /ˈʌð.ɚrz/
What are common mistakes associated with the words 'other' and 'others'?
A common mistake associated with the words 'other' and 'others' is using the wrong word to refer to a person or thing. For example, the sentence 'This shirt is too small, other will fit better' is incorrect because 'other' should be used as an adjective and 'others' should be used as a pronoun.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. Some students prefer online classes, while ___ prefer in-person lectures.
2. Among the group, one was a singer and the ___ were dancers.
3. One of the cats is black; the ___ is white.
4. These apples are rotten, but the ___ are fresh.
5. There are several pens on the table; take one and leave the ___.
6. I have finished my project. How about the ___?
1. other
Explanation: The sentence is comparing two singular preferences: online classes and in-person lectures. Thus, the singular other is appropriate.
2. others
Explanation: The sentence mentions one singular noun (a singer) followed by a plural (dancers). To contrast with one, the plural others is needed.
3. other
Explanation: The sentence is comparing two singular nouns: one cat and another cat. Therefore, the singular other is the correct choice.
4. others
Explanation: These apples refers to a specific group, suggesting that theres another group to compare them with. The plural others is used to contrast with the plural noun apples.
5. others
Explanation: There are several pens indicates a plural subject, so when contrasting a part of them with the rest, others (plural) is appropriate.
6. other
Explanation: My project is singular, so when asking about a singular counterpart, other is the correct choice.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.