What is other? Pronunciation and usage in English

other means . Learn how to pronounce and use other through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of other

otheradjective/noun

/ˈʌðə/
Definition & pronunciation of other

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "other" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈʌθər/ (This is the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) symbol)

Let's break that down further:

  1. ˈ (primary stress): This symbol indicates that the first syllable is emphasized – it’s the strongest part of the word.

  2. ʌ (the "uh" sound): This is a short, relaxed "uh" sound – like the "a" in "about" or "up." It's key to getting the pronunciation right. Don’t pronounce it like the long "o" in "other."

  3. θ (the "th" sound): This is the voiceless dental fricative – the "th" sound you make when saying "think" or "this." It's very important it’s sharp and clear, not a soft "th" like in "that".

  4. ər (schwa sound): This is a reduced vowel sound (the schwa) and it's very subtle. It's like a very short, almost silent “uh”. It's the sound at the end of the word, blending into the "th" sound.

Here's how it sounds when spoken:

Think of saying "uh-ther." But make sure the "uh" is short and relaxed, and the "ther" sounds sharp and distinct.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them:

  • Saying "other" as "o-ther": This is very common. The "o" sound is incorrect. Focus on the short "uh" sound first.
  • Soft "th" sound: Make sure you're making a clear “th” sound. Don’t let it slide into an “f” or “v” sound.
  • Dragging the vowel: Keep the “uh” sound short and quick. Don't open your mouth wide like you would for "other" as "o-ther."

Resources to Help You:

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/other/ – This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word.
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce 'other' English" – you'll find many helpful videos with audio examples. (e.g., search for "British English other pronunciation" or "American English other pronunciation")

To help me tailor my advice even further, could you tell me:

  • Are you learning British or American English? (The pronunciation can vary slightly).

Usage and examples with the word other in English

Let's break down how to use the word "other" effectively in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a few different functions. Here's a detailed explanation, broken down by usage:

1. As a Demonstrative Adjective (Referring to something different):

  • Most Common Use: This is the most frequent way you'll see "other." It simply means "different" or "another."
    • Example: "I like apples, but I prefer other fruits." (Meaning: I prefer different fruits than apples.)
    • Example: "Do you have other books to read besides this one?" (Meaning: Are there different books?)
    • Example: “She wore a red dress, but her sister wore other colors." (Meaning: She didn't wear the same color as her sister.)

2. As a Pronoun (Replacing a noun):

  • Referring to things previously mentioned: "Other" takes the place of a noun that’s already been discussed.
    • Example: “I bought some milk and bread. Other things I need are eggs and cheese.” (Here, “other things” replaces “milk and bread”.)
    • Example: "He studied hard for the test. Other students relaxed." (Here, "other students" replaces the group of students.)

3. As a Determiner (Used before a noun):

  • “Other” + a noun: This indicates that one thing is present, and “other” refers to something additional.
    • Example: “I have a car, but I might buy other transportation in the future.” (Meaning: I might get another car, a bike, or something else.)
    • Example: “There were a few problems, but other issues need to be addressed.” (Meaning: There were problems besides those mentioned.)

4. In Phrases & Idioms:

  • "Other than": Means "except for" or "besides."

    • Example: "I enjoy hiking, other than swimming." (Meaning: I don't like swimming, in addition to enjoying hiking.)

  • “The others”: Refers to the remaining members of a group after one or more have been mentioned.

    • Example: "John and Mary went to the party. The others stayed home."

  • "Otherwise": Means "otherwise" – meaning "if not."

    • Example: "If you don’t study, otherwise you'll fail the exam." (Meaning: If you don't study, you will fail.) (This usage is a bit less common and more formal – be careful with it.)

Important Notes & Common Mistakes:

  • Don’t use “other” when you mean “another”: They are not interchangeable in all cases. "Other" implies a difference. "Another" simply means "one more."

    • Incorrect: "I bought another apple." (This means one more apple.)
    • Correct: "I bought an apple, but I wanted other fruits.” (This means different fruits.)

  • Sentence Structure: "Other" often works best when it's followed by a noun or a phrase that describes what the "other" thing is.

  • Formal vs. Informal: "Other" is generally acceptable in both formal and informal settings.

Resources for More Practice:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you using “other” in? (e.g., writing an essay, speaking conversationally, etc.)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you’re struggling with?

Synonyms for the word other

Idioms of the word other

the other day/morning/evening/week
recently
  • I saw Jack the other day.
  • I was in your area the other week.
  • I woke up the other morning and just could not get myself out of bed.
  • I was watching TV the other evening, when…
other than
except
  • I don't know any French people other than you.
  • We're going away in June but other than that I'll be here all summer.
(formal)different or in a different way from; not
  • I have never known him to behave other than selfishly.

Practice with vocabulary other

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The team presented their primary findings, leaving the discussion of ______ factors for the next meeting.
  2. During the negotiation, the company had no ______ choice but to accept the revised terms.
  3. Could you please pass me ______ pen? This one has run out of ink.
  4. The board is seeking an ______ solution to the current budget deficit.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. While some colleagues agreed with the proposal, ______ expressed reservations about its feasibility. A) another B) other C) others D) remaining

  2. The project requires skills that are quite ______ from what our current team possesses. A) distinct B) various C) other D) different

  3. Apart from the main agenda, the committee also addressed ______ matters relevant to the organization's growth. A) diverse B) new C) other D) various

  4. Please ensure you bring ______ form of identification besides your passport when entering the building. A) any B) different C) another D) other

  5. The research focused on the primary market, but acknowledged the existence of ______ potential segments. A) various B) diverse C) alternative D) other

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite the sentence to include the word "other" or a related form, without changing its meaning:

    • The manager wanted to hear different viewpoints on the proposal.

  2. Rewrite the sentence to include the word "other" or a related form, without changing its meaning:

    • The main speaker presented her research. Later, various individuals offered their perspectives.

  3. Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word for "other," ensuring the meaning remains the same:

    • Besides the main agenda, there were other items to discuss.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. other
  2. other
  3. another
  4. alternative

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) others
  2. A) distinct, D) different
  3. C) other, D) various
  4. C) another
  5. A) various, B) diverse, C) alternative, D) other

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The manager wanted to hear other viewpoints on the proposal.
  2. The main speaker presented her research. Later, other individuals offered their perspectives.
  3. Besides the main agenda, there were additional items to discuss.

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