Spanish language learning forums

Spanish language learning forums (https://forums.tomisimo.org/index.php)
-   Grammar (https://forums.tomisimo.org/forumdisplay.php?f=19)
-   -   Another or the other? (https://forums.tomisimo.org/showthread.php?t=10037)

Another or the other?


irmamar January 20, 2011 03:28 AM

Another or the other?
 
This sentence is driving me crazy because I don't know if use "the other" or "another". The context is some factors in bilingual or multilingual contexts, so there are more than a language, two or more (but not necessarily more than two):

X factors affect people's attitude towards one language or the other/or another.

Thanks. :)

Perikles January 20, 2011 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irmamar (Post 103779)
This sentence is driving me crazy because I don't know if WHETHER TO :mad::D use "the other" or "another". The context is some factors in bilingual or multilingual contexts, so there are more than a language, two or more (but not necessarily more than two):

X factors affect people's attitude towards one language or the other/or another.

Thanks. :)

If there could be more than two, then or another would be correct, because the other would specifically mean for two languages only. :)

irmamar January 20, 2011 04:34 AM

Whether, yes. :banghead: :banghead:

The condition is "more than a language". What would you say? :thinking:

Perikles January 20, 2011 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irmamar (Post 103785)
Whether, yes. :banghead: :banghead:

The condition is "more than a language". What would you say? :thinking:

Well, more than a language is incorrect, it would be more than one language.

Ultimately, you have to sacrifice succinctness for the sake of correct grammar and clarity: The real answer would be

X factors affect people's attitude both towards the one language and another language or other languages.

- this also gives you the chance of spelling language in three different ways. :p:D

irmamar January 20, 2011 05:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perikles (Post 103788)
Well, more than a language is incorrect, it would be more than one language.

Ultimately, you have to sacrifice succinctness for the sake of correct grammar and clarity: The real answer would be

X factors affect people's attitude both towards the one language and another language or other languages.

- this also gives you the chance of spelling language in three different ways. :p:D

Sorry, one language, you're right (as ever). :D

Too long, I have a limit of words (and there are many "languages" -all of them written in the same way... :D). :thinking:

Awaken January 20, 2011 06:53 AM

Another is correct here. "The other" means there can only be 2 as Perikles pointed out.

X factors affect people's attitude towards one language or another.
The above sentence makes me think you are saying X factors affect them choosing one language over another, not just their attitude.

If you are just referring to their attitude, it is shorter and clearer to say:

X factors affect people's attitude towards a language.

irmamar January 21, 2011 01:39 AM

Thank you, Awaken. It seems enough clear now. :)

Awaken January 21, 2011 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irmamar (Post 103832)
Thank you, Awaken. It seems enough clear enough now. :)

No problem.

irmamar January 22, 2011 01:16 PM

I was sure I was wrong!! :banghead: :banghead:

Thanks. :)

CrOtALiTo January 24, 2011 09:30 AM

In mu humble opinion I should use other word.

Other factor in the people's attitude toward one language.

I'm quite sure that I should use that word instead of another.
I find more appropriate that word.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 10:27 PM.

Powered by vBulletin®
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.