One, Ones
The word one has different meanings. First, we know one as the number 1. However, one can also be a pronoun, meaning this one or that one. The plural form of one is ones.
“One” as a Pronoun
We use one and ones to replace nouns so that we don’t repeat the same word in a sentence. However, we can only use one if it’s clear what we are talking about.
One replaces a singular countable noun.
Ones replaces a plural countable noun.
I don’t like this shirt. I want to buy a new one.
= I don’t like this shirt. I want to buy a new shirt.
= I don’t like this shirt. I want to buy a new shirt.
These apples are sour. Let’s pick some sweet ones.
= These apples are sour. Let’s pick some sweet apples.
= These apples are sour. Let’s pick some sweet apples.
My phone is broken. I need to get a new one.
= My phone is broken. I need to get a new phone.
= My phone is broken. I need to get a new phone.
The books on that shelf are old, but the ones on this shelf are new.
= The books on that shelf are old, but the books on this shelf are new.
= The books on that shelf are old, but the books on this shelf are new.
“Another One”
The word another is used with a singular countable noun. We can add one after another to replace the noun. This makes the sentence sound more natural.
Another one means one more or a different one.
I finished my sandwich. Can I have another one?
I finished my sandwich. Can I have another sandwich?
I finished my sandwich. Can I have another sandwich?
This book is boring. I’ll read another one.
This book is boring. I’ll read another book.
This book is boring. I’ll read another book.
I lost my pencil. I need another one.
I lost my pencil. I need another pencil.
I lost my pencil. I need another pencil.
She took a cookie and then grabbed another one.
She took a cookie and then grabbed another cookie.
She took a cookie and then grabbed another cookie.
When Do We Use “One” and “Ones”?
1️⃣ After an Adjective
I don’t like small dogs. I want a big one.
I don’t like small dogs. I want a big dog.
I don’t like small dogs. I want a big dog.
My laptop is old. I need a new one.
My laptop is old. I need a new laptop.
My laptop is old. I need a new laptop.
These chairs are uncomfortable. Let’s get some soft ones.
These chairs are uncomfortable. Let’s get some soft chairs.
These chairs are uncomfortable. Let’s get some soft chairs.
This cake is delicious. Do you want another one?
This cake is delicious. Do you want another cake?
This cake is delicious. Do you want another cake?
2️⃣ After “The”
The blue bag is mine, but the one on the table is yours.
The blue bag is mine, but the bag on the table is yours.
The blue bag is mine, but the bag on the table is yours.
I prefer the ones with chocolate, not the ones with nuts.
I prefer the cookies with chocolate, not the cookies with nuts.
I prefer the cookies with chocolate, not the cookies with nuts.
I lost my phone. Can I borrow the one you have?
I lost my phone. Can I borrow the phone you have?
I lost my phone. Can I borrow the phone you have?
The students who studied passed the test. The ones who didn’t had to retake it.
The students who studied passed the test. The students who didn’t had to retake it.
The students who studied passed the test. The students who didn’t had to retake it.
3️⃣ After Demonstrative Pronouns (this, that, these, those)
Which dress do you like? This one or that one?
Which dress do you like? This dress or that dress?
Which dress do you like? This dress or that dress?
I love these ones, but those ones are too big.
I love these shoes, but those shoes are too big.
I love these shoes, but those shoes are too big.
We bought a new car. This one is much faster.
We bought a new car. This car is much faster.
We bought a new car. This car is much faster.
These cupcakes are fresh. Try one.
These cupcakes are fresh. Try a cupcake.
These cupcakes are fresh. Try a cupcake.
4️⃣ In Questions with “Which”
Which one is your backpack?
Which backpack is yours?
Which backpack is yours?
Which ones do you prefer—red or blue?
Which shirts do you prefer—red or blue?
Which shirts do you prefer—red or blue?
We have three flavors. Which one would you like?
We have three flavors. Which flavor would you like?
We have three flavors. Which flavor would you like?
There are many bikes here. Which ones belong to you?
There are many bikes here. Which bikes belong to you?
There are many bikes here. Which bikes belong to you?
“One” as an Impersonal Pronoun
We also use one in formal speech to talk about people in general, including the speaker. It means any person or someone.
One should always tell the truth.
A person should always tell the truth.
A person should always tell the truth.
One must be careful when crossing the street.
A person must be careful when crossing the street.
A person must be careful when crossing the street.
One should never judge others too quickly.
A person should never judge others too quickly.
A person should never judge others too quickly.
One’s health is very important.
A person’s health is very important.
A person’s health is very important.
