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What Are Alternative Pro-forms?
Alternative means 'choice'. Alternative pro-forms are a type of pro-form that offer a choice between two or more options and signal the alternatives in the sentence.
Alternative Words
Because of their meaning, some determiners, pronouns, and adverbs are usually used to present alternatives and options. Let's have a look:
Other
"Other" as a Determiner
'Other' as a determiner means the 'alternative' or something that is different from what is already mentioned. It is used:
with singular uncountable nouns
Our website sells pop music. It sells no other music.
For other information, please consult a parent.
with plural nouns
We surveyed children from other countries.
Other hotels are all full.
with a singular countable noun; in this case, it needs another determiner before it.
I don't like the purple one. I prefer the other color.
We need to discuss our other problem.
Warning
'Other' as a determiner does not have a plural form.
The other kids kept on playing. (Not 'The others kids...')
"Other" as a Pronoun
'Other' can be used as a pronoun. As a pronoun, it can have both a singular and a plural form. For example:
We have to tackle this issue, more than any other.
Some people like coffee, while others prefer tea.
Tip!
When 'other' is used as a pronoun to introduce the alternative for a plural noun, it also takes the plural form. For example:
Some people agreed; others disagreed. (Not 'Some people agreed; other disagreed.')
The Other
"The Other" as a Determiner
'The other' can be used before a singular countable noun to present an additional choice or alternative, usually when there are two alternatives. It can also mean different types of something.
This room is occupied. Please use the other room.
This book has few illustrations. The other book has more.
'The other' can also be used with a plural noun to refer to the remaining people or things in a group. For example:
Sam and Mike are here, but where are the other guys?
(the remaining people in a group)
Have you eaten the other two eggs? I can only find four.
(the remaining things in a group – here six eggs)
"The Other" as a Pronoun
'The other' can be used as a pronoun to refer back to something already mentioned. For example:
She had her drink in one hand and her cigarette in the other.
I have two puppies, one is black and the other is brown.
Another
When the indefinite article 'an' comes before the determiner 'other', they are fused into a single determiner 'another'. It introduces an alternative or an additional item.
"Another" as a Determiner
We use 'another' with singular nouns. It can not be used with plural nouns. For example:
Would you like another cup of coffee?
I don’t like this place. Is there another café around here we could go to?
Another wonderful movies to watch include The Star Wars and The Lord of The Rings.
"Another" as a Pronoun
'Another' can also be used as a pronoun to present an alternative or additional item. Take a look at some examples:
I don't like this shirt. Do you have another?
After you finish reading this book, you should start reading another.
Else
"Else" with Indefinite Words
'Else' can come after indefinite pronouns and adverbs to mean 'other,' 'different,' or 'additional'. For example:
There's something else I'd like to talk about.
I was free to go, as was everyone else.
Above all else, he wanted to find love.
"Else" with Interrogative Words
'Else' is used after interrogative words to mean besides or in addition to someone or something. It is also used to talk about a different person, thing, place, etc.
What else can I do?
Where else can I go, if not home?
If I can't trust you, who else can I trust?
Warning
Do not use 'else' after which.
Which else do you want?
Which other one do you want?
Quiz:
Which sentence correctly uses an alternative pro-form to indicate an additional option?
After tasting the dessert, she asked for others.
After tasting the dessert, she asked for other.
After tasting the dessert, she asked for another.
After tasting the dessert, she asked for else.
Sort the words to form a grammatically correct sentence.
Which sentence correctly uses an alternative pro-form to form a question?
Where else can we find a better deal?
Where other can we find a better deal?
Where another can we find a better deal?
Other where can we find a better deal?
Match each description of an alternative pro-form with an example sentence that uses it.
Fill the blanks with the appropriate alternative pro-form. (There is one extra option.)
I didn’t enjoy the first movie, so I decided to watch
one later.
I had two business proposals; one was rejected, but
is still under review.
After finishing all my tasks, I wondered what
I could do to help.
We explored several routes on our hike, but all
paths were blocked by fallen trees.
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