Pronouns: One, Ones, Another, The Other
A big one, another one, the other ones — replace and refer. Learn the rules, then practise.
Show rules
one / ones
Use one (singular) and ones (plural) to avoid repeating a countable noun.
✅ I need a new phone — this one is broken.
✅ Which shoes do you want? — The blue ones.
one vs it
- one = a different example of the same type: I lost my pen, so I bought one. (a new pen)
- it = the specific thing already mentioned: I lost my pen, but I found it. (the same pen)
another
another = "one more" or "a different one" — singular only: Can I have another cup? / another one?
other / others / the other / the others
| Form | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| other + plural noun | additional, different | other people |
| others (pronoun) | other people/things, not specified | Some left; others stayed. |
| the other | the second of two | One is red, the other is blue. |
| the others | the remaining ones of a group | One stayed; the others left. |
another vs the other
- another = one more, an extra (from many)
- the other = the last remaining one (from two)
Common mistakes
| ❌ | ✅ |
|---|---|
| One cat is black, another is white. | One cat is black, the other is white. |
| Some like tea; the others like coffee. | Some like tea; others like coffee. |
| I'd like another apples. | I'd like other apples. |
| This pen is broken — give me it. | This pen is broken — give me another one. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'one' and 'ones'?
'One' and 'ones' replace a countable noun to avoid repeating it. Use 'one' for a singular noun ('I need a new phone — this one is broken') and 'ones' for a plural noun ('Which shoes? The blue ones').
What is the difference between 'one' and 'it'?
Use 'one' for any example of the same type — a different one: 'I lost my pen, so I bought one' (a new pen). Use 'it' for the specific thing already mentioned — the same one: 'I lost my pen, but I found it' (the same pen).
What is the difference between 'another' and 'the other'?
'Another' means 'one more' or 'a different one', chosen from many — it is always singular. 'The other' is the last remaining one of just two: 'I have two hands; I write with one and wave with the other'.
What is the difference between 'others' and 'the others'?
'Others' means 'some other people or things' — an unspecified group: 'Some agree; others don't'. 'The others' means the remaining members of a specific, known group: 'One of us stayed; the others went home'.