One vs Ones
What’s the difference between them?
One
Meaning:
one (adjective, pronoun): being a single unit or thing; not two or more; having the indivisible unity of a unit; indicating a single person or thing.
Examples:
1. One day, I'll travel the world.
2. There is only one chance to get this right.
3. I can't believe there is only one slice of pizza left!
Ones
Meaning:
in certain contexts is a plural of 'one.'
Examples:
1. She focused on the ones she could help the most.
2. He counted out the ones he had left in his wallet.
3. She only wanted the best ones for her collection.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
One
1. Single
2. Individual
3. Unit
4. Alone
5. Unaccompanied
1. Zero
2. Nothing
3. Opposite
4. Away
5. Reverse
Ones
1. Individuals
2. People
3. Bodies
4. Souls
5. Units
6. Persons
1. Zeros
2. Many
3. Nothing
4. Offspring
5. Numerous
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "One", "Ones".
1. 'One' is a singular indefinite pronoun.
2. 'Ones' is a plural pronoun.
3. To remember the difference between the two, you could use the phrase 'One for me, ones for everyone else.' This mnemonic phrase emphasizes the singularity of 'one' and the plurality of 'ones.'
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
When should 'One' be used?
'One' is used when referring to an individual person, object, or statement. For example, 'One should always be kind to others.' You would also use one to refer to an unspecified item of the same type, like 'Can I have one of those apples?'
When is the appropriate context for using 'Ones'?
'Ones' is used to refer to multiple items or people of the same type. For example, 'Which ones do you want?' or 'Let's invite the ones who have been to the beach.'
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, one is pronounced as /wʌn/, /wʌnz/
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
A common mistake people make is using 'one' when they should use 'ones.' For example, saying 'Let's invite the one who has been to the beach' instead of 'Let's invite the ones who have been to the beach.' It is also important to remember that 'one' is used when referring to an individual person or object, and 'ones' is used when referring to multiple items or people.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. I only have _____ cookie left in the jar.
2. Among all the dresses she wore, the blue _____ was her favorite.
3. We need to choose the best design from these. Which _____ do you prefer?
4. She has two pens, but only _____ of them works properly.
5. These shoes are old. I need to buy new _____.
6. He asked for _____ more chance to prove himself.
1. Answer: one
Explanation: The sentence is referring to a single unit of a cookie, so one is the correct choice.
2. Answer: one
Explanation: The sentence refers to a specific single dress, indicating the use of one.
3. Answer: one
Explanation: The sentence is asking for a singular choice among multiple designs, so one is appropriate.
4. Answer: one
Explanation: The sentence mentions two pens but then narrows it down to a singular pen, so one is used.
5. Answer: ones
Explanation: The context indicates that the subject is looking to replace multiple shoes, implying a plural context. Thus, ones is the correct answer.
6. Answer: one
Explanation: The individual is requesting a single chance, making one the right word to fill in the gap.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.