Answer: In an alcohol, a carbon atom is single bonded to a hydroxide group (OH–); in an ether, an oxygen atom is single bonded to two carbon atoms.
Explanation: Alcohols are compounds which contain functional group -OH attached to an alkyl group. They are represented by general formula 
 .
.
Ethers are the compounds which contain functional group -O attached to alkyl groups on both sides. They are represented by general formula 
 .
.
For example: Methyl alcohol is represented as 
 and dimethyl ether is represented as
 and dimethyl ether is represented as 
 .
.