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How to Use One Another, Other, The Other, Others, The Others

One another, Other, The other, Others, and The others are often confused in their usage. In today’s article, PREP will share with you the definitions and differences in how to use One another, Other, The other, Others, and The others. Please follow along!

I. What is One another?
II. What is Other?
1. 1. Definition
2. 2. Idioms with Other
III. What is The Other?
1. 1. Definition
2. 2. Idioms with The other
IV. What is Others?
V. What is The Others?
VI. What is Another?
1. 1. Definition
2. 2. Idioms with Another
VII. Distinguishing Between the Usage of One Another, Other, The Other, Others, The Others
1. 1. Distinguishing Between Each Other and One Another
2. 2. Distinguishing Between Other, Others, The Other, The Others, and Another
VIII. Exercises on Another, Other, The Other, Others, The Others, One Other
1. 1. Exercise: Fill in the blanks with the appropriate words: "One another," "Other," "The other," "Others," "The others," "Another."
2. 2. Answer key

I. What is One another?

Before exploring how to use One another, Other, The other, Others, and The others, let’s start with the definition and usage of One another.

One another is pronounced /wʌn əˈnʌðər/ and is an expression in English that is used to refer to the mutual relationship or interaction between two or more people. For example:

The team members supported one another throughout the project.
They often compliment one another on their achievements.

II. What is Other?

What does Other mean? How is Other used? Before we delve into the usage of One another, Other, The other, Others, and The others, let’s first explore the concept of Other together with PREP!

1. Definition

Other is pronounced /ˈʌð.ɚ/ and functions as a determiner, pronoun, adjective, or verb.

Role	Meaning	Example
Determiner	Refers to a different person or thing; used to indicate that there is an additional person or thing that is different from the one already mentioned.	The product has many other time-saving features.
Pronoun	Refers to another person, thing, or item that is different from the ones already mentioned.	Some people like apples; others prefer bananas.
Adjective	Describes a different person, thing, or item; can also mean "the one that is not this."	Are there any other friends you want to invite?
Verb	To treat someone or something differently from others.	The book is often criticized for romanticizing and othering black Americans.

2. Idioms with Other

Idioms with Other	Meaning	Example
in other words	Used to rephrase or clarify a statement.	Anna is always on time, in other words, she never misses a deadline.
on the other hand	Used to present an alternative point of view or contrast a statement.	The job offers good salary; on the other hand, it requires long hours.
other than	Used to indicate exceptions or to refer to alternatives besides the one mentioned.	Other than the minor issues, the project was a success.
the other day	Refers to a recent time or occasion that is not clearly specified but is not far in the past.	I ran into an old friend the other day.

III. What is The Other?

To better understand the differences in the usage of One another, Other, The other, Others, and The others, let’s explore the definition and idioms related to The other together with PREP!

1. Definition

The other is pronounced /ði ˈʌðər/ and functions as an adjective and a noun:

Role	Meaning	Example
Noun	Used to refer to a specific person or thing within a defined group.	One of them is coming today, and the other will come tomorrow.
Adjective	Used to indicate another object within a defined group or quantity.	I prefer the other book on the shelf.

2. Idioms with The other

Idioms with The other	Meaning	Example
On the one hand... on the other (hand)	Used to present contrasting points of view or arguments.	On the one hand, Maria loves the job for its creativity. On the other hand, the long hours are exhausting.
Turn the other cheek	Refers to the act of responding to aggression or insult with patience and forgiveness, rather than retaliation.	Even when Jack was insulted, he chose to turn the other cheek.
The grass is always greener on the other side	Suggests that people often believe that someone else's situation or possessions are better than their own, leading to envy or dissatisfaction.	Anna always thinks the grass is greener on the other side, but her own life is actually pretty good.
Six of one, half a dozen of the other	Implies that two alternatives or options are essentially the same, with no significant difference between them.	Whether we go by car or train, it's six of one, half a dozen of the other.

IV. What is Others?

Others is pronounced /ˈʌð·ərz/ and functions as a plural pronoun, used to refer to people or things other than those already mentioned.

Some students prefer studying in the morning, while others like to study at night.
Emi bought three apples, but others preferred oranges.

V. What is The Others?

The others is pronounced /ði ˈʌð·ərz/ and functions as a phrase, used to refer to the remaining people or things in a clearly defined group.

Three students have already submitted their assignments, but the others are still working on theirs.
I’ll take these books, and you can have the others.

VI. What is Another?

To differentiate the usage of One another, Other, The other, Others, The others, let’s explore the definition and idioms related to Another below with PREP!

1. Definition

Another is pronounced /əˈnʌð.ɚ/ and functions as a determiner, adjective, and pronoun:

Role	Meaning	Example
Determiner	Used to refer to an additional person or thing of the same type as one already mentioned.	Can I have another cup of matcha latte, please?
Adjective		We need to find another way to solve this problem.
Pronoun		Some people are leaving, but another is joining the group.

2. Idioms with Another

Idioms with Another	Meaning	Example
be another matter/ thing	Indicates that something is entirely different or a separate issue.	I can lend you some money, but paying it back on time is another matter.
be another story	Refers to a situation or narrative that is different from the one currently being discussed, often implying complexity or additional details.	I managed to catch the bus, but what happened after that is another story.

VII. Distinguishing Between the Usage of One Another, Other, The Other, Others, The Others

How do the usages of One another, Other, The other, Others, and The others differ? Let’s explore it below with PREP!

1. Distinguishing Between Each Other and One Another

Distinguishing Between Each Other and One Another	Each other	One another
Meaning	Each other is often used to refer to the relationship between two entities.	One another is often used to refer to the relationship between two or more entities.
Example	Tom and Jerry always help each other with their homework.	The team members support one another during difficult times.
Notes	When using “us” or “ourselves” instead of Each other and One another, the following examples apply: We’ve known each other/one another for thirty years. ✅ We’ve known us for twelve years or We’ve known ourselves … ❌ Each other is two separate words with no hyphen and should not be written as a single word. We got to know each other very quickly. ✅ We got to know eachother… ❌ Each other is not used in the plural form. They love each other. ✅ They love each others. ❌

2. Distinguishing Between Other, Others, The Other, The Others, and Another

Distinguishing Between Other, Others, The Other, The Others, and Another	Meaning	Example
Other	Used to refer to a different person or thing (not specific).	I don't like this dress. Do you have any other colors?
Others	Used to refer to additional people or things besides those that have already been mentioned.	Some people like coffee; others prefer milk tea.
The other	Used to refer to the remaining person or thing in a defined group.	One of my friends is coming today, and the other will come tomorrow.
The others	Used to refer to the remaining people or things in a defined group.	Three students have already submitted their assignments, but the others are still working on theirs.
Another	Used to refer to one more person or thing.	Can I have another slice of cookie?

Notes on Using Other, Others, The Other, The Others, and Another:

Other: As a determiner, it cannot be used in the plural form.
- Anna and Emi stayed behind. The other girls went home.
- The others girls …
When Other is used as a pronoun to refer to multiple people/things, the plural form Others can be used.
- Some scientists think we should reduce the number of flights to prevent global warming; others disagree.
- … other disagree.
Another must be written as one word and precede an indefinite noun (e.g., a book, a woman, an idea).
- I’ve posted the first package. What shall I do with that other luggage?
- What shall I do with other luggage?

Another must be written as one word and precede an indefinite noun (e.g., a book, a woman, an idea).
- There is another car park a little further down the same street.
- There is an other car park …
Another is singular. We do not use it with plural nouns.
- Other interesting places to visit include the old museum and the castle.
- Another interesting places to visit …

VIII. Exercises on Another, Other, The Other, Others, The Others, One Other

Let’s complete the exercises below with PREP to better understand and distinguish between Another, Other, The other, One another, Others, and The others!

1. Exercise: Fill in the blanks with the appropriate words: "One another," "Other," "The other," "Others," "The others," "Another."

Anna and Jack always help _______ with their homework.
I don’t like this color. Do you have it in _______ color?
Some people prefer coffee, while _______ enjoy tea more.
John picked one apple, but _______ apple looked better.
I have two options, but I prefer _______ one.
Jack has already arrived, but _______ are still on their way.
This project is almost done. I’ll start working on _______ one tomorrow.
The teacher asked some students to present, and _______ will present tomorrow.
We must respect _______ regardless of our differences.
Maria didn't like this dress, so she chose _______ one instead.

2. Answer key

one another
another
others
the other
the other

the others
another
the others
one another
another

In this article, PREP has shared with you the concepts and differences in the usage of One another, Other, The other, Others, and The others. Keep following PREP to stay updated with more useful English knowledge!

Master Tu Pham

Founder/CEO at Prep

Founder of Prep Smart Test Preparation Platform. With over 10 years of experience in teaching and test preparation, Mr. Tú has helped thousands of students achieve high scores in the IELTS exam. In addition, Mr. Tú Phạm is also a consulting expert in British Council programs and a speaker at many leading educational events, programs, and conferences.