Grammar · Free lesson
Another or other: what comes before the noun?
You need a different option, or one more thing. Look at the noun you are about to say before choosing the word in front of it.
Professor Scott MendozaThe short answer
Use another before a singular countable noun: another chair. Use other before a plural or uncountable noun: other chairs, other information. Do not add s to other when a noun follows it.
Match the word to the noun that follows.
In We need another chair, chair is one countable item. In We need other chairs, chairs is plural and other stays unchanged. Other information also works because information is uncountable. The meaning can be additional or different; the noun pattern helps you choose the form.
Compare the examples
We need another chair.
Do you have other sizes?
Is there any other information?
Other sizes is correct. Others sizes is not: the plural ending belongs to sizes, not to other.
Build the meaning step by step
Find the noun
chair / chairs / information
Check its form
a chair / two chairs / some information
Build the phrase
another chair / other chairs / other information
Try it now
Choose the phrase that fits.
Read all answers and explanations
You want one more empty cup. Which phrase fits?
another cupCup is a singular countable noun, so another cup fits. Other cup needs an additional determiner, and others does not go before cup.
Complete: We need ___ ideas. Keep the plural noun ideas.
otherOther goes before the plural noun ideas. Others would replace the noun, not come before it.
Which phrase works with uncountable information?
other informationOther information fits. For one additional countable item, you could say another piece of information.
Put it into practice
Repair a request for more options
Keep options plural and keep the question. Correct only the word before options.
Do you have others options?
See a model answer
Do you have other options?
The revised question still asks about several possible alternatives. It does not change the meaning to one additional option.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Can I ever use others?
Yes, when it stands for plural people or things without the noun after it.
Some options are expensive; others are cheaper.
Do I need a before another?
No. Another already includes an. Say another chair, not a another chair.
Could I have another chair?
Take it into your day
Another chair; other chairs. Keep the noun visible while you choose.
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