what other

USAGE SUMMARY

"What other" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is often used in questions when seeking more information after an initial response. For example: "What other cities have you visited?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What other options exist?

The New York Times - Sports

"What other candidates?

The New York Times

What other stuff?

The New Yorker

What other directions?

The New Yorker

What other skills are important?

The New York Times

What other kind were there?

The New York Times

— What other way is there?

The New Yorker

What other weapons are there?

The Economist

Consider what other countries do.

The New Yorker

What other paperwork was required?

The New York Times

What other problems were encountered?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what other", ensure the context clearly establishes what you are seeking alternatives or additions to. For instance, instead of just asking "What other options?", specify the subject: "What other treatment options are available?"

Common error

Avoid using "what other" without specifying the noun you are referring to. Saying just "What other?" can be ambiguous. Always clarify with "What other things?", "What other reasons?", etc.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what other" functions primarily as an interrogative determiner, prompting the speaker or writer to identify additional elements, options, or aspects related to a previously mentioned subject. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is widely used across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what other" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to solicit additional information or alternatives. Ludwig indicates that it's commonly employed across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. It's crucial to follow "what other" with a specific noun to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity. While generally neutral in register, its applicability spans from formal inquiries to casual discussions. Remember to specify the category or subject when seeking additional options to ensure your questions are clear and focused.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what alternatives

Focuses specifically on alternative options or solutions.

what else

A more concise way to ask about additional items or possibilities.

what additional

Emphasizes the supplementary nature of the information being sought.

what different

Highlights the desire for distinct or varying options.

what further

Suggests a continuation or extension of the current inquiry.

what more

Implies a desire for a greater quantity or number of options.

what other kinds

Specifically requests different types or categories within a subject.

what remains

Asks about what is left or available after something has been removed or considered.

what extra

Inquires about supplementary or additional elements.

what next

Focuses on the subsequent steps or actions to be taken.

FAQs

How do I properly use "what other" in a sentence?

The phrase "what other" should be followed by a noun to specify what you're asking about. For example, "What other books have you read?" or "What other factors should we consider?"

What can I say instead of "what other"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "what else", "what alternatives", or "what additional".

Is it grammatically correct to start a question with "what other"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a question with "what other" when followed by a noun. For example, "What other solutions are there?" is perfectly acceptable.

How does the meaning of "what other" differ from "what else"?

"What other" implies that there is a specific category or set of items already under consideration, and you are asking about others within that same category. "What else" is more general and can refer to anything additional, not necessarily within a predefined category.