It, one and that: referring back to a noun

The idea

Use it for the same specific thing. Use one for another singular countable thing of the same kind and ones for plural things. In comparisons, that can replace a singular or uncountable noun, often before of or another phrase.

Examples

• I found your key and put it on the shelf.
• This cup is cracked; I need a new one.
• The green apples are sweeter than the red ones.
• The water in this well is colder than that in the river.
• Mina borrowed a bicycle and returned it before sunset.
• The price of a train ticket is lower than that of a flight.

Watch out

Do not use one for the very same object, or for an uncountable noun such as water.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct option. I lost my phone, but Sam found ___. (it / one)

   Show answer or example answer

   it

   it refers to the very phone that was lost.

2. Choose the correct option. This chair is broken; please bring a different ___. (it / one)

   Show answer or example answer

   one

   one means a different chair.

3. Choose the correct option. The climate here is warmer than ___ of the coast. (it / that)

   Show answer or example answer

   that

   that stands for the climate of the coast.

4. Choose the correct option. These gloves are wet; I need dry ___. (ones / it)

   Show answer or example answer

   ones

   ones stands for several dry gloves.

Use it today

Describe an object you have and another of the same kind; then compare two prices.