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.
_________________________

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.

[Anlab]

Welcome everybody,
Altought it seems to be logical, it is dificult to me agree with this translation. In my book was mentioned that if we have to choose from among two things we should use another for this second

[Mister Micawber]

.
Your book seems to be wrong, Anlab. Could you copy out that part for me to read?
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber

[Anlab]

[Mister Micawber]

.
If it is correct, it should be in all of your grammar books, Ana. By the way, do not use 'b.r.'-- it is quite rude in that it shows that you cannot go to the trouble of fully expressing your regards.
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber

[Anlab]

Hello Mister Micawber

I am sorry. I would not like to be rude. You are right that it should be in all books, I have lost one hour and I cannot find any one where is this problem described. You do not think that I am very stubborn. It must have been sth. about this because my colleagues did the some mistakes and their remarks (explanation) were lsimilar. But.. no problem. I think, there is no point in looking for that information. If I find, I will send you. I have to take your rules and to remind they.

By the way about abbreviation. It seems to be my (and my colleagues) bad habit. I work for a big international company and there all people, begining from top managers, use many different abbreviation. So sory again.

best regards

Ana

[Mister Micawber]

.
Hi Ana,

Yes, I know that such abbreviations are a bad habit for many people, especially e-mailers. I told you because I hope that you will help spread the word about over-using abbreviations just because they are quick.

As for the grammar point: you should certainly be stubborn if you believe you are right, but some authoritative back-up is really needed.

Here is Princeton University's Wordnet definition:

another:
any of various alternatives; some other; "put it off to another (or some other) day"

And this is from the on-line Merriam-Webster dictionary:

other: 1 a: being the one (as of two or more) remaining or not included <held on with one hand and waved with the other one> b: being the one or ones distinct from that or those first mentioned or implied <taller than the other boys>
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber