Words Students Confuse - one or ones?

ScottsEnglish

Students often confuse the words "one" and "ones"

One is the number, which means only one, not two, not three, not four. But it is also a pronoun, and can replace a single object in a sentence.

For example, "This pen does not work anymore. I need a new one."

But the word "ones" exists as well, and is the plural of the pronoun one. For example, "My shoes are worn out. I need new ones."

In this case, the word "ones" is a pronoun referring to a pair (2) of shoes.

Put the correct word, one or ones in the following sentences. Be careful, the word one can have different meanings.

1. There is only _________________ guard at the building's entrance.

2. These apples are too small, but those ______________ are probably the right size.

3. Did you see her headphones? She bought new ________________ last week.

4. This ____________ is broken, that ___________ is broken; does anyone have a working stapler?

5. ______________ should not drink and drive. Period.

Click here for the correct answers.

1.. There is only one guard at the building's entrance.

2. These apples are too small, but those ones are probably the right size.

3. Did you see her headphones? She bought new ones last week.

4. This one is broken, that one is broken; does anyone have a working stapler?

5. One should not drink and drive. Period.