One and ones: avoid repeating countable nouns

The idea

Use one for a singular countable noun and ones for a plural countable noun. Keep the words that identify it: another one, a bigger one, the ones on the floor.

Examples

• This pen doesn't work. Do you have another one?
• The grey coat is warmer than the blue one.
• These towels are clean; the ones on the floor are dirty.
• I need a smaller box, not a bigger one.
• Which gloves are yours? The woollen ones.
• We have enough cups, but we need some clean ones.

Watch out

For uncountable water, use some, not one. Usually omit ones directly after a number or some: two; some. A describing word allows two red ones; some clean ones.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct option. The grey coat is warmer than the blue ___. (one / ones)

   Show answer or example answer

   one

   one replaces the singular countable noun coat, keeping the blue as its description.

2. Choose the correct option. These cups are dirty. We need clean ___. (one / ones)

   Show answer or example answer

   ones

   ones replaces plural cups. Clean describes the cups you need.

3. Choose the correct option. I need some water. Do you have ___? (some / one)

   Show answer or example answer

   some

   some refers to uncountable water. One would need a countable item, such as one bottle.

Use it today

Compare two bags without repeating bag. Then choose some towels by colour and ask for water. Use one, ones and some where each fits.