Another is one word and means "one more". Other goes before a plural noun. Others stands alone, because the noun has already been mentioned.
- Another + one thing you can count: another cookie.
- Other + plural nouns: other cookies.
- Others with no noun after it: Some cookies are gone, but others are left.
- The other points to one specific thing; the others points to the rest of a group.
Another: one more
Another is always one word. It goes with a singular noun you can count, and it means "one more" or "a different one".
Take another sticker.
Would you like another slice of pizza?
Mia found another sock under the bed.
That one is broken. Please get another pen.
Today it is always one word, so "an other" is a spelling mistake. It began as two small words, an and other, but they joined together.
Other: before plural nouns
Other goes before a plural noun or an uncountable noun. It does not change its form.
Do you have other colours?
Sam asked some other students for help.
Is there any other juice?
Some people like pizza. Other people like pasta.
Others: when the noun has gone
Others is the plural of the pronoun. Use it when you have already mentioned the noun, so you do not need to say it again.
Some of the books are old. Others are new.
I like these crayons, but do you have any others?
Some students walk to school. Others take the bus.
The other and the others
When you mean one specific thing, use the other. When you mean the rest of a group, use the others.
One shoe is here. Where is the other (shoe)?
Leo is here. Where are the others?
Easy way to tell them apart
- Do you mean one more, and the noun is singular? Use another.
- Is there a plural noun after it? Use other.
- Is there no noun and you mean more than one? Use others.
- Do you mean one specific or the rest? Use the other or the others.
💡 The OddLingo Trick
Another already has its an inside: an-other. That is why you do not add an or a in front of it.
Others ends in s because it stands for many things, with no noun to carry the plural for it.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Another is one word.
❌ Please give me an other cookie.
✅ Please give me another cookie.
Another goes with singular nouns.
❌ I need another pencils.
✅ I need another pencil. / I need other pencils.
No s on other before a noun.
❌ Some others students came late.
✅ Some other students came late.
Others stands alone.
❌ Some students walk. Others students take the bus.
✅ Some students walk. Others take the bus.
💬 In a conversation
Mia: I lost one sock.
Sam: Where is the other?
Mia: I don't know. The others are in the drawer.
Sam: Then you need another pair.
Mia: Or another sock thief.