Others vs other’s vs others’

Others

"Others" is a pronoun used to refer to people or things that are different or additional to those already mentioned. It does not show possession.

Examples:

➡️ Some students prefer reading; others like writing.

➡️ There are many books on the shelf. Some are interesting, while others are boring.

Tip: If you’re talking about more than one other person or thing, and you’re not showing ownership, use "others."

Other's

"Other’s" is the possessive form of "other," showing that something belongs to "another" person or thing. You use it when you’re talking about one person or thing possessing something.

Examples:

➡️ This is my pen, and that is the other’s pen. (Here, "other’s" refers to the pen that belongs to another person.)

➡️ One child took the toy, and the other’s reaction was to cry.

Tip: If you can replace "other’s" with "another person’s" or "another thing’s," then it’s correct.

Others’

"Others’" is the possessive form of "others." It’s used when showing that something belongs to more than one other person or thing.

Examples:

➡️ These are my ideas, and those are the others’ ideas. (The ideas belong to several people.)

➡️ Some children are playing, while the others’ parents are watching.

Tip: If you’re talking about possession for more than one other person or thing, use "others’."

Common Errors:

Confusing "others" with "other's" or "others’":

❌  Incorrect: Some students like math, while other’s prefer art.

✔️ Correct: Some students like math, while others prefer art.

Using "other’s" instead of "others’" for plural possession:

❌  Incorrect: These are the other’s opinions.

✔️ Correct: These are the others’ opinions.

Forgetting the apostrophe in possessive forms:

❌  Incorrect: This is others toy.

✔️ Correct: This is the other’s toy. (singular possession)

Everyday Use:

Others: When talking about a group of people or things not previously mentioned.

➡️ Example: "Some of the guests arrived early, but the others came later."

Other’s: When showing something belongs to one other person or thing.

➡️ Example: "I have my book, and she has the other’s notebook."

Others’: When showing something belongs to more than one other person or thing.

➡️ Example: "These are the others’ belongings."

FAQ

What is the difference between "others" and "other’s"?

"Others" refers to more than one other person or thing, while "other’s" shows possession for one other person or thing.

How do I know when to use "others’"?

Use "others’" when you’re talking about something that belongs to more than one other person or thing.

Can "other’s" be used for plural possession?

No, "other’s" is only for singular possession. For plural possession, use "others’."

Is it correct to say "others' opinions"?

Yes, "others' opinions" is correct when referring to opinions belonging to more than one person.

How can I avoid confusing these terms?

Remember that "others" is for people or things, "other’s" is for something that belongs to one other, and "others’" is for something that belongs to multiple others.