Use 'other’s' when referring to the possession of a single person or thing that is not the primary subject.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Singular possessive form of 'other'.
- Used to show ownership by one different person.
- Commonly used in the phrase 'each other's'.
Overview
'Other’s' is the singular possessive form of the word 'other.' It is used to show ownership or a relationship between a noun and a single person or entity that is distinct from the one already specified. While 'other' can function as an adjective or a pronoun, 'other’s' functions specifically to denote possession.
Usage Patterns
This word is most frequently found in the fixed reciprocal phrase 'each other’s.' For example, in the sentence 'They held each other’s hands,' the apostrophe comes before the 's' because 'each other' is treated as a singular unit. It can also be used with the definite article 'the' when referring to the second of two specific things, such as 'One twin was tall, but the other’s height was average.'
Common Contexts
You will often encounter 'other’s' in discussions regarding empathy, social interaction, and legal or ethical boundaries. It is common in phrases like 'respecting each other’s privacy' or 'listening to the other’s point of view.' In academic writing, it is used to compare two distinct subjects or theories, specifically when discussing how one subject relates to the attributes of the second one.
Similar Words Comparison
The most frequent point of confusion is between 'other’s' (singular possessive) and 'others’' (plural possessive). 'Other’s' refers to something belonging to one person (e.g., 'the other’s bag'), while 'others’' refers to something belonging to a group (e.g., 'the others’ bags'). It is also distinct from 'another’s,' which is more general and refers to any one person in a non-specific group, whereas 'other’s' usually implies a choice between a limited set (often two).
Examples
One brother wanted pizza, but the other's preference was sushi.
everydayOne brother wanted pizza, but the other's preference was sushi.
The court must weigh one party's rights against the other's obligations.
formalThe court must weigh one party's rights against the other's obligations.
We've been wearing each other's clothes since we were kids.
informalWe've been wearing each other's clothes since we were kids.
One variable's increase often correlates with the other's decrease.
academicOne variable's increase often correlates with the other's decrease.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
at each other's throats
fighting or arguing intensely
in each other's pockets
spending too much time together
Often Confused With
'Other's' is singular (belonging to one); 'others'' is plural (belonging to many).
'Another's' is used for any one person in general; 'other's' usually refers to a specific person in a pair.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
In speech, 'other's' and 'others'' sound identical (/ˈʌðərz/). Clarity depends entirely on context or the presence of singular/plural nouns following the word. In formal writing, ensure the apostrophe is placed before the 's' when referring to 'each other' or a singular 'other'.
Common Mistakes
The most common error is writing 'each others' or 'each others'' instead of 'each other's'. Another mistake is using 'other's' when there are more than two people involved in a group sense, where 'others'' might be more appropriate.
Tips
Think of the pair
Use 'the other's' when you have two items and you are talking about the second one's property.
Watch the apostrophe placement
Placing the apostrophe after the 's' (others') makes it plural. Always double-check your intended quantity.
Empathy and Social Norms
In English-speaking cultures, phrases like 'respecting each other's space' are vital for polite social interaction.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old English 'ōðer' (meaning second or different). The possessive '-s' was added later as English grammar standardized possessive forms for pronouns.
Cultural Context
The concept of 'each other's' is central to Western ideals of mutual respect and reciprocity, often appearing in marriage vows or friendship pacts.
Memory Tip
Remember: The apostrophe is like a hook. In 'other's', it hooks onto one person. In 'others'', the 's' is already there for a group, so the hook goes at the end.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt is always 'each other's' with the apostrophe before the 's'. This is because 'each other' is considered a singular reciprocal pronoun phrase.
Check if you are talking about one person or many. If it belongs to one person, use 'other's'; if it belongs to many people, use 'others'.'
Yes, it can refer to the parts or properties of an object, though it is more common for people. For example, 'One car's engine was loud, but the other's was silent.'
They are similar, but 'another's' is more indefinite and general, while 'other's' usually refers to a specific second person or thing in a pair.
Test Yourself
They looked into each ___ eyes and smiled.
'Each other's' is a standard singular possessive phrase used for two people.
Identify the correct sentence:
Since we are comparing one cat to the only 'other' cat, the singular possessive 'other's' is correct.
must / respect / We / each / other's / property / .
The subject 'We' is followed by the modal 'must', the verb 'respect', and the object 'each other's property'.
Score: /3
Summary
Use 'other’s' when referring to the possession of a single person or thing that is not the primary subject.
- Singular possessive form of 'other'.
- Used to show ownership by one different person.
- Commonly used in the phrase 'each other's'.
Think of the pair
Use 'the other's' when you have two items and you are talking about the second one's property.
Watch the apostrophe placement
Placing the apostrophe after the 's' (others') makes it plural. Always double-check your intended quantity.
Empathy and Social Norms
In English-speaking cultures, phrases like 'respecting each other's space' are vital for polite social interaction.
Examples
4 of 4One brother wanted pizza, but the other's preference was sushi.
One brother wanted pizza, but the other's preference was sushi.
The court must weigh one party's rights against the other's obligations.
The court must weigh one party's rights against the other's obligations.
We've been wearing each other's clothes since we were kids.
We've been wearing each other's clothes since we were kids.
One variable's increase often correlates with the other's decrease.
One variable's increase often correlates with the other's decrease.
