32 One and Ones

ONE ONES

We use one (singular) and ones (plural)

One
We use “one” when we’re talking about the quantity of something.
“He has one degree – not two.”

We also use “one” to suggest that there are other alternatives. For example:
“It’s a good idea” = your idea (and it’s the only idea) is good
“It’s one good idea” = you might have other good ideas as well

We also use “one” to give a precise amount:
“One thousand pounds” = an exact number of one thousand pounds

One and Ones
We can use “one” and “ones” as pronouns.
“Which one would you like?” (= Which one thing of many.)
“Which ones would you like?” (= Which things of many)

Complete with One or Ones

1.      This bag is very old. I need a new ________.

2.      Small pineapples are sweeter than big ______.

3.      The new smartphones are much faster than the old ______.

4.      Which is your car, the black ______or the white ______?

5.      She needs new shoes, the old ______are too small.

6.      If you buy two bottles of water, you get a third ______free.

7.      These dresses are expensive. Are there any cheap ______?

8.      Jack has three pens – a red ______and two green ______.

9.      I would like to have a cupcake – the red ______looks great.

10.  I would like to have some cupcakes – the green ______look great.

Complete the sentences with one or ones.
1. Do you have a red biro? - Yes, I have three ________.
2. Don't take the white socks. The black ______are much cooler.
3. Are these your keys? No, mine are the ______on the cupboard.
4. Would you like to have a car? No, I don't need ______.
5. Sam has got a blue schoolbag. I have a green ______.
6. Have you bought presents for our two little ______?
7. Caroline has a big dog and two small ______.
8. I haven't got a modern white shirt. I must buy a new ______.
9. My crayons are too short. I must get new ______.
10. This isn't my dictionary. I have got a bigger ______.
11. Have you taken my calculator, Jim? This ______isn't mine, I think it's yours.
12. Are these your shoes, Cindy? The brown ______ under the desk?
13. Where's my blouse, Mike? Which ______? The ______I got from Aunt Augusta.
14. I haven't bought an anorak because l'm going to get ______from my sister Jenny.
15. Your coloured pencils are really cool. The ______I have are bad quality.
16. Is there a chemist's nearby? Yes, there's ______at the end of this street.
17. Would you like a cup of tea? No, thanks, I had ______an hour ago.
18. I don't like these trousers. Can you show me smaller ______?
19. I'll take these red roses and those yellow ______.
20. This drink is too warm. I'd like a much cooler ______.