Other than means except or apart from; it can also mean different from. Nobody other than the organizer has the final list. Other than a loose handle, the cupboard is in good condition: that's the only problem. After a noun, it means 'different': a venue other than the school hall.
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other than + exception / noun + other than + excluded option
- Nobody other than the organizer has the final list.
- We need a venue other than the school hall.
- Other than a loose handle, the cupboard is in good condition.
What changed
First versionI'd prefer to take the bus other than drive.
RevisionI'd prefer to take the bus rather than drive.
Both phrases end in than, so other than ends up where one option is chosen over another. But other than means except. A preference, 'instead of', is expressed by rather than: take the bus rather than drive.
Rather than means 'instead of': I'll walk rather than wait. Other than means 'except': I have no plans other than sleeping. Except is a close synonym: everyone except the guide.
Your turn
Nobody ___ the guide has the keys.
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other than — This is an exception, nobody but the guide, so other than. Rather than would express a preference for one option over another.
Describe a thing or a flat that has just one drawback. Start with other than.
Other than the noisy neighbours, I love my new flat.
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