'Other Than She' V. 'other Than Her'

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Understanding the Basics

Grammar can be a complex and nuanced subject, and even the most seemingly simple phrases can spark heated debates. In this article, we'll delve into the world of 'other than' and explore the age-old question: does it take the subjective or objective case? We'll examine the rules, provide examples, and offer insights to help you navigate this grammatical minefield.

The Subjective and Objective Cases

Before we dive into the specifics of 'other than,' let's quickly review the difference between the subjective and objective cases.

  • Subjective case: The subjective case is used for the subject of a sentence, as well as for the subject of a clause or phrase that is part of a larger sentence. It's also used for the object of a verb or preposition when the verb or preposition is in the first person (I, me, my, mine).
  • Objective case: The objective case is used for the object of a verb or preposition, regardless of whether the verb or preposition is in the first, second, or third person.

The 'Other than' Conundrum

Now that we've covered the basics, let's turn our attention to 'other than.' This phrase is a prepositional phrase that functions as a conjunction, connecting two clauses or phrases. It's often used to indicate a contrast or exception.

The Traditional Rule

For centuries, the traditional rule has been that 'other than' takes the objective case. This means that when using 'other than' with a pronoun, you should use the objective form (her, him, it, them, etc.). For example:

  • "I like her, but I don't like her friend, other than her."
  • "I'm not interested in him, other than his book."

The Modern Twist

However, in recent years, some grammarians have argued that 'other than' can take the subjective case. This means that when using 'other than' with a pronoun, you can use the subjective form (she, he, it, they, etc.). For example:

  • "I like her, but I don't like her friend, other than she."
  • "I'm not interested in him, other than he."

The Gray Area

So, which is correct? The answer is not as simple as a yes or no. The truth is that both forms are acceptable, and the choice between them often depends on the context and the style guide you're following.

Style Guides

Different style guides have varying recommendations for 'other than.' For example:

  • The Chicago Manual of Style recommends using the objective case (her, him, it, them, etc.).
  • The AP Stylebook recommends using the subjective case (she, he, it, they, etc.).
  • The MLA Style Manual recommends using the objective case (her, him, it, them, etc.).

The Verdict

In conclusion, while there is no one "right" answer to the question of whether 'other than' takes the subjective or objective case, it's clear that both forms are acceptable. The key is to understand the context and follow the style guide you're using.

Tips for Using 'Other than'

To avoid confusion and ensure clarity, here are some tips for using 'other than':

  • Use the objective case when you're following a traditional style guide or when you're writing in a formal or academic tone.
  • Use the subjective case when you're following a modern style guide or when you're writing in an informal or conversational tone.
  • Be consistent in your usage throughout your writing.
  • Use a dictionary or style guide to check the recommended usage for 'other than' in your specific context.

Conclusion

Q: What is the difference between 'other than' and 'except for'?

A: While both phrases are used to indicate a contrast or exception, 'other than' is typically used in formal or written language, whereas 'except for' is more commonly used in informal or spoken language.

Q: Can I use 'other than' with a singular or plural noun?

A: Yes, you can use 'other than' with both singular and plural nouns. For example:

  • "I like her, but I don't like her friend, other than her book."
  • "I'm not interested in him, other than his car."
  • "I like them, but I don't like their friend, other than their house."

Q: Is 'other than' a conjunction or a preposition?

A: 'Other than' is a prepositional phrase that functions as a conjunction, connecting two clauses or phrases.

Q: Can I use 'other than' with a pronoun that is the subject of a sentence?

A: Yes, you can use 'other than' with a pronoun that is the subject of a sentence. For example:

  • "She is the only one who likes her, other than she."
  • "He is the only one who likes him, other than he."

Q: Is 'other than' always used with a pronoun?

A: No, 'other than' is not always used with a pronoun. You can use it with a noun or a phrase, as well. For example:

  • "I like her, but I don't like her friend, other than her book."
  • "I'm not interested in him, other than his car."

Q: Can I use 'other than' in a sentence with a negative verb?

A: Yes, you can use 'other than' in a sentence with a negative verb. For example:

  • "I don't like her, other than she is my friend."
  • "I'm not interested in him, other than he is a good writer."

Q: Is 'other than' always used in formal or written language?

A: No, 'other than' is not always used in formal or written language. While it is more commonly used in formal or written language, you can also use it in informal or spoken language.

Q: Can I use 'other than' with a verb in the past tense?

A: Yes, you can use 'other than' with a verb in the past tense. For example:

  • "I didn't like her, other than she was my friend."
  • "I wasn't interested in him, other than he was a good writer."

Q: Is 'other than' always used with a verb in the present tense?

A: No, 'other than' is not always used with a verb in the present tense. While it is more commonly used with a verb in the present tense, you can also use it with a verb in the past or future tense.

Q: Can I use 'other than' with a verb in the future tense?

A: Yes, you can use 'other than' with a verb in the future tense. For example:

  • "I won't like her, other than she will be my friend."
  • "I won't be interested in him, other than he will be a good writer."

Q: Is 'other than' always used with a verb in the conditional tense?

A: No, 'other than' is not always used with a verb in the conditional tense. While it is more commonly used with a verb in the conditional tense, you can also use it with a verb in the present, past, or future tense.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 'other than' is a versatile phrase that can be used in a variety of contexts. Whether you're using it with a pronoun, a noun, or a verb, it's essential to understand the rules and exceptions to ensure clarity and precision in your writing. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can master the use of 'other than' and become a more confident and effective writer.