Avoiding repetition with one/ones
Definition
One and ones can replace a countable noun that is already clear from context. Use one for a singular noun and ones for a plural noun.
Examples
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I prefer the blue one.
One replaces a singular countable noun, such as shirt or bag.
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These cups are cleaner than the old ones.
Ones replaces the plural noun cups.
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Which route is shorter, this one or that one?
The substitutes avoid repeating the same singular noun twice.
One/ones vs. do
I chose the smaller one.
One replaces a countable noun.
I chose the same option as Leo did.
Did replaces the repeated verb phrase chose the same option.
One/ones substitutes for countable nouns. A form of do can substitute for a verb phrase.
One and ones need a clear countable meaning
The missing noun must be recoverable from context. One/ones is normally used with a determiner, adjective or other modifier, and it does not replace an uncountable noun.
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We need a larger one.
The article and adjective identify which singular item is meant.
-
I prefer fresh bread to stale bread.
Bread is uncountable here, so fresh one would not be natural.
Common mistakes
I need some advice, preferably a practical one.
I need some advice, preferably practical advice.
Advice is uncountable, so it is not replaced by one.
These shoes are more comfortable than the old one.
These shoes are more comfortable than the old ones.
Use plural ones to replace the plural noun shoes.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly replaces a singular countable noun?
The red one naturally replaces a singular countable noun already understood from context.Which sentence correctly replaces a plural noun?
Ones agrees with the plural noun phones.Which sentence avoids one because the noun is uncountable?
Information is uncountable, so one/ones does not normally replace it.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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