Other vs. another

[marion]

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #74 "Other/another/others/the others", question 2

I have two pencils. One is black, ......... is blue.

(a) another
(b) the others
(c) others
(d) the other

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #74 "Other/another/others/the others", answer 2

I have two pencils. One is black, the other is blue.

Correct answer: (d) the other

Your answer was: incorrect
I have two pencils. One is black, another is blue.
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What is the difference to use another and the other?

[Mister Micawber]

.
Just like a/an and the: previous mention or specificity.

I broke my pencil; give me another (= any other among several).
I broke my pencil; give me the other (= only one other is available).
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber

[Caroline]

hi Marion
Mister Micawber has done a great explanation on that!Thanks!
Another - it?s indefinite (give me another pen= you are not specific about what other pen, it?s just any other)
The other - it?s more definite.(give me the other pen = it gives the impression that there is no other choice but "the" other one available). I hope I?m not making this too confusing.
_________________
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