【明報專訊】MoMo runs into Bill at the hospital and he doesn't look well. She's trying to find out why.

Bill: Achoo! Why are you here? Where are the others (1) ?

MoMo: We are doing volunteer work separately. They are visiting other (2) hospitals now. How are you feeling?

Bill: I caught a cold earlier this week, but I don't like taking medicine so I tried a home remedy I found online. Achoo!

MoMo: Clearly the remedy doesn't work well.

Bill: Yes, so I tried another (3) which is claimed to be effective. But it only worsened my symptoms.

MoMo: You should visit a doctor when you are sick. Next time don't try those home remedies without consulting a medical practitioner.

Bill: I don't want to catch a cold for another (4) time!

Others (1)

"Others" is a plural noun used alone. It refers to people and things similar to the ones just mentioned, but different ones (1).

e.g. He always thinks for the others.

Other (2)

"Other" is always used with a noun (2).

e.g. You have met Eleanor before.

Now meet my other sister Marianne.

Another (3)(4)

"Another" is used to indicate an additional item, a different choice or a substitute. It can be used with a noun (4) or used alone if the noun is already mentioned before or understood in the context (3).

e.g. He comes from another country.

There'll never be another like you.

■Now you try

(Answers on next text)

1. The dress comes in two colours. Macy bought the green one, so I am getting the (another / other / others) one.

2. Johnny has three cakes already. He is going to eat (another / other / others).

3. (Other / Others / Another) children won't be as naughty as you!

4. Can you please tell the (other / others / another) that I can't come to school today?

■Glossary

home remedy (n) 家庭療法；偏方

effective (adj) 有效

symptom (n) 病徵

consult (v) 諮詢

[Smarties' Power English 第199期]