Definition

1. 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

1. in another and different manner;
   • very soon you will know differently
   • she thought otherwise
   • there is no way out other than the fire escape