Personal Pronouns One and Ones

In today’s lesson, we will be learning how to use the personal pronouns “one” and “ones”.

• We use “one” as a pronoun meaning “anyone” to refer to people in general when we want to be formal. 

Example:

I like to go on a picnic in this area, although there are no shops here and one has to take one’s own food and drinks from home.

• In everyday speech, we use “you” in an informal way to mean “anyone”

Example:

If you want to have a picnic here, you have to take your own food and drinks with you.

• You can use an adjective on its own in a place of a singular countable noun.

Examples:

Don’t buy that dress. Buy the blue one.

I have two tables: a new one and an old one. The old one is much prettier than the new one.

• You can use “ones” to avoid repeating plural countable nouns.

Examples:

I have new trainers, the ones over there.

These are great photos. The ones you took on holiday.

• You can use ‘one’ and ‘ones’ for both people and things.

Examples:

Which computer are you using? – The one you gave me.

That is our new manager, the one in a blue shirt.

• Use “one” or “ones” after “which”, “this”, “that” and adjectives.

Ex: Which one do you like? This one or that one? I’d like a red one, please.

• We usually avoid “ones” after “these” & “those”.

Example:

I want these or I want those. 

• Do not use “one” in a place of an uncountable noun. Repeat a noun or don’t use it at all.

Ex: That water is dirty. Take fresh water or Take fresh.

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