other than / apart from

[Tedwonny]

I was doing a proofreading exercise and the orginal sentence was:

Other than helping you learn the way Americans talk, "World Talk" will help you understand American culture.

The correct answer was: other than --> apart from

However, when I checked the dictionary, both are actually synonyms meaning "except". Aren't they the same really?

thanks

 

[riquecohen]

It often helps to consult more than one dictionary. OneLook Dictionary is an excellent resource, as it provides definitions from many dictionaries. "Other than" and "apart from" are also defined as "besides" or "in addition to".

 

[Tedwonny]

Thanks, can someone please answer the question?

If they have the same definition, does it mean the above correction is not necessary?

thanks

 

[5jj]

If they have the same definition, does it mean the above correction is not necessary?

Had I been your editor, I would have changed 'other than' to 'besides' or 'in addition to'. I cannot at the moment think of a convincing reason for this, but I am working on it.

 

[emsr2d2]

I've been thinking about this one and in order to use "other than that" I feel I would have to change the word order and also make a rather negative statement after it.

"World Talk" will help you learn how Americans talk and about American culture. Other than that, it won't do much.



I can't explain why, but I only seem to find its use works when there is nothing else to say:

- We need bread, milk and eggs from the supermarket. Other than that, I don't think I can think of anything.
- He opens the mail, stamps the letters and takes things to the delivery room. Other than that, I don't know what he does at work!
- I watch EastEnders, Neighbours and E.R. Other than that, I barely watch TV.