the other four

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the other four" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to four items in a group of five or more. For example, "After choosing one item, I'm not sure if I should take the other four."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who appointed the other four?

The New York Times

It is tight for the other four.

Independent

The other four are already members.

The New York Times

The other four bedrooms are upstairs.

The New York Times

The other four have two apiece.

The New York Times - Sports

The other four hostages remain in captivity.

The New York Times

The other four snicker.

The Guardian - Film

The other four tries would be wasted.

Stanford University

The other four are in museums.

The Guardian - Books

None of the other four factors applies.

The Guardian - Opinion

The other four cascades will remain idle.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the other four", ensure the context clearly establishes a group of five or more to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Out of the five nominees, one won the award, and the other four were recognized for their contributions."

Common error

A common mistake is using "the other four" without a clear reference to a larger group. Always establish the total number before referencing "the other four" to avoid confusing the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the other four" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically identifying a subset of four items from a larger group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used to refer to four specific entities within a larger set, as evidenced by the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

11%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the other four" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote a specific subset of four entities from a larger group. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It appears most frequently in news and media, but is also found in academic and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral register. The phrase serves the purpose of highlighting a particular group for further discussion, and should be used in contexts where a larger group is already clearly established. Related phrases include "the remaining four" and "the other quartet", offering alternative ways to express the same idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the remaining four

Emphasizes that these are the four left after others have been removed or considered.

those other four

Adds a demonstrative pronoun to specify which four are being referenced, implying familiarity or previous mention.

the other quartet

Uses "quartet" as a direct synonym for a group of four, differing only in word choice.

the other set of four

Highlights that these four form a distinct group.

the other group of four

Slightly more generic but retains the core meaning of a distinct set of four.

the remaining members

More general; refers to remaining individuals without specifying a number, applicable if 'four' is implied.

the second four

Implies a sequence or order, differing from the original in emphasizing sequential position.

the subsequent four

Similar to 'second four', this highlights that these four follow in sequence after some initial group.

the balance of four

Suggests that these four complete a set or total, adding a nuance of completion.

the last four

Indicates these are the final four in a series or list, differing by focusing on finality.

FAQs

How do I use "the other four" correctly in a sentence?

Ensure that the context clearly identifies a group of five or more, where one part has been separated or distinguished. For example, "One team qualified directly, and "the other four" had to compete in a playoff".

What's a good alternative to "the other four"?

Depending on the context, you could use "the remaining four" or "the other quartet" if you are referring to a musical group.

Is it ever incorrect to use "the other four"?

Yes, it's incorrect if there is no preceding mention or clear implication of a group consisting of at least five entities. Without that context, the phrase lacks a clear reference.

What is the difference between "the other four" and "the remaining four"?

While similar, "the other four" implies a separation from an initial entity within a group of at least five, while "the remaining four" emphasizes that these are what's left after some have been removed or considered.