other than
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Prepositional Phrase:
- Except for; besides; apart from: Used to introduce the only person, thing, or possibility that is not included in the main statement or to specify an exception.
Usage
- The phrase "other than" is used to exclude something from a general statement or to indicate an alternative that is different from what has been mentioned.
- It functions similarly to "except" or "but" and is followed by a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase.
- It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to specify limitations or exceptions.
Examples
- Prepositional Phrase:
- There's no one here other than me. (This means I am the only person here; everyone else is excluded.)
- He eats no fruit other than apples. (This means apples are the only fruit he eats; all other fruits are excluded.)
- We have no choice other than to wait. (This means waiting is the only available option.)
Advanced Usage
- "Other than that": Used to introduce a single exception to a preceding statement.
- The party was great. Other than that, it was a boring week. (This means the party was the only non-boring event.)
- In negative constructions: Often used with "no," "nothing," "nobody," "nowhere" to emphasize the exclusivity of the exception.
- There is nothing to do other than read. (Reading is the only possible activity.)
Variants and Related Words
- Except: A preposition with a very similar meaning.
- Everyone is going except John.
- Besides: Can mean "in addition to" or, in some contexts, "except for."
- Besides a small scratch, the car is fine.
- Apart from: Functionally identical to "other than" in indicating an exception.
- Apart from the cost, it's a perfect plan.
Synonyms
- Except for
- But (when used as a preposition, e.g., )
- Aside from
- With the exception of
Related Phrases
- Other than the fact that: A more complex phrase used to introduce an exceptional circumstance.
- The plan is sound, other than the fact that we lack funding.
Notes
- Do not confuse "other than" with the adverb otherwise, which means "in a different way" or "under different circumstances."
- "Other than" is not typically used to start a sentence when introducing a positive addition; for that, "besides" or "in addition to" is more common. It is primarily used for exclusion.
Adverb
- in another and different manner;
- very soon you will know differently
- she thought otherwise
- there is no way out other than the fire escape