other
A1Universal
Definition
Meaning
A distinct or alternative person, thing, or category from the one already mentioned or known; the second of two or the remaining one(s).
Can express alterity, difference, or opposition; used to denote the remainder of a group, to contrast with something, or to indicate alternative possibilities.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Core function is referential (pointing to a distinct entity) and contrastive. Often forms a binary (one...the other) or partitive (some...others) framework. Conceptual flexibility allows it to function as adjective, pronoun, noun, and in determinative/quantifying roles.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal lexical differences. In possessive use, 'the other's' is standard in both, but informal 'the others'' (plural possessive) is found. In quantifier phrases, 'every other day' is universal; no significant variation.
Connotations
Identical core connotations of difference and alternativity. In some fixed phrases, cultural referents differ (e.g., 'the other half' in UK can colloquially mean spouse; in US less fixed).
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both varieties with no measurable divergence in core usage patterns.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Determiner + other + noun (the other book)Pronoun (the other)Quantifier + other (some others)Other + than + NP/ClauseEach other (reciprocal)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the other side of the coin”
- “look the other way”
- “other half”
- “in one ear and out the other”
- “of all others”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in segmentation ('the other segment'), competitor analysis ('the other company'), and scheduling ('every other quarter').
Academic
Used for contrast in argument ('on the other hand'), referencing sources ('among others'), and classifying data ('the other group').
Everyday
High-frequency use for choice ('the other one'), time ('the other day'), and people ('the others').
Technical
Used in logic/computing (Boolean 'other', 'other conditions'), and classification (as a residual category).
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- Do you have any other suggestions?
- Let's meet some other time.
American English
- We need the other document to proceed.
- She lives on the other side of town.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have two books. One is here, the other is in my bag.
- Do you want the red apple or the other one?
- Some children are playing, others are reading.
- On the one hand, it's cheap; on the other hand, the quality is poor.
- I saw him just the other day at the supermarket.
- We help each other with homework.
- The issue, among others, was discussed at length.
- His performance was other than what we had expected.
- Every other participant had already submitted the form.
- The author deftly contrasts the self with the other in postmodern terms.
- The decree applies to all institutions other than those explicitly exempted.
- These findings are quite other to those of previous studies.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'other' as the 'OTHER twin' – not this one, the different one.
Conceptual Metaphor
ALTERNATIVITY IS A SEPARATE PATH; DIFFERENCE IS ANOTHER SPACE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Confusing 'other' with 'another' (другой vs ещё один).
- Overusing 'others' where 'the others' (остальные) is more specific.
- Misplacing 'other' in noun phrases (e.g., 'other my friend' instead of 'my other friend').
- Literal translation of 'the other day' as *'в другой день' instead of 'на днях'.
Common Mistakes
- *The others people (should be 'the other people' or 'the others').
- *Each others (incorrect plural possessive in reciprocal).
- *Every others day (should be 'every other day').
- Omission of article in 'the other' when specific.
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase correctly expresses a reciprocal action?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Another' means 'one more' or 'a different one' and is used with singular nouns. 'Other' is used with plural nouns or with a determiner (the, my, any) before singular nouns.
Yes, 'others' functions as a plural indefinite pronoun, meaning 'other people' or 'other things' (e.g., Some people left, but others stayed).
'Each other' is a reciprocal pronoun used for two entities. It indicates a mutual relationship or action (e.g., They love each other). For more than two, use 'one another'.
Yes, especially in philosophical or sociological contexts to mean 'that which is different or opposite to the self or the norm' (e.g., the concept of the Other).
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