Gram: Is every other man...

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi all of you,

I was watching a film about the life of Casanova last night. At a certain moment he provokes the man Gamini who has married the woman, he wanted to marry, his beloved Henriette. I don’t know the exact sentences, but this is what I heard:

Casanova: I know what you’re wondering about: ‘Is every other man taller than I am? Is every other man smarter than I am? Is every other man more handsome than I am? Is every other man more attractive than I am? That is it, isn’t Gamini?’

Does ‘every other’ simply mean all other men? in this context. I’m sure it is not used like: ‘The doctor said I should this medicine every other day.’

By the way it was rather a good film: Peter O’ Toole was starring as the old Casanova.

Thanks
Alexandro.

2

It means ‘all other men’. - Everyone except the speaker (Casanova).

3

Thanks Beeesneees

So, I was right, but it sounded it a bit strange though.

Alexandro

4

Hi Beeesneees,

I just wondered why ‘Casanova’, the speaker isn’t included in all other men. It keeps on puzzeling me.

Thanks

5

Because he’s talking about himself in comparison to all the other men. He can’t be included in the group of ‘other’ men’ - he’s not an ‘other’.

Other + Used to refer to a person or thing that is different or distinct from one already mentioned or known about
He knows about himself!

6

Mr. Beeesneees,
Is
“Is every other man smarter than I am?”
can be rewritten as
Is there any man smarter than me?

7

Not really. The meaning changes slightly. Even though it conveys the same sort of idea, the emphasis is completely adjusted.

Is every other man smarter than I am? = Am I the least smart of everyone?
Is there any man smarter than me? = I am really smart. Is there even one person who is smarter?