B1–B2
Another — One More or a Different One
Learn when to use 'another': one more item from an open set, or a different item of the same type. Always singular, always one word. Fill-blank, error-correction and transformation exercises.
Another: One More or a Different One
Another combines 'an' and 'other' into a single word and carries two related meanings: (1) one more of the same — 'Can I have another cup of tea?' — and (2) a different one — 'This pen doesn't work. Give me another.' Both meanings share the key property that the supply is open-ended: more are available. Research on learner English identifies two recurrent errors with 'another': writing it as two words ('an other') and using it before a plural noun ('another ones', 'another colours'), which confuses it with 'other'.
Another = One More (same type)
Would you like another piece of cake? (one more piece)
He failed the driving test, so he'll take it another time. (one more occasion)
I need to check another few things first. (a few more — fixed phrase)
He failed the driving test, so he'll take it another time. (one more occasion)
I need to check another few things first. (a few more — fixed phrase)
Another = A Different One
I didn't like that film. Let's watch another one. (a different film)
This pen doesn't work. Give me another. (a different pen)
That's not a good excuse. You'll have to think of another one.
This pen doesn't work. Give me another. (a different pen)
That's not a good excuse. You'll have to think of another one.
Common Mistakes
✗ The coffee is cold. Can I have other cup? → ✓ another cup. (singular + one more = another)
✗ Can you give me another ones? → ✓ other ones. (another is always singular)
✗ I'd like to see another colours. → ✓ other colours. (plural noun requires 'other')
✗ Can you give me another ones? → ✓ other ones. (another is always singular)
✗ I'd like to see another colours. → ✓ other colours. (plural noun requires 'other')