Basics. Avoiding Repetition with One and Ones: correct answers
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In English, we often use the pronouns one and ones to replace countable nouns so we don't have to repeat the same word. For example, instead of saying, "I don't like the red shirt; I want the blue shirt," you can say, "I want the blue one." If the noun is plural, use ones, such as asking for "the fresh ones" instead of "the fresh cookies."
This challenge tests your ability to correctly substitute singular and plural nouns in both everyday and imaginative scenarios. You will help wizards buy shiny new wands, assist customers ordering donuts and cupcakes at a bakery, choose the right clothes to pack for a vacation, and even pick out playful kittens at an animal shelter. Along the way, you will practice avoiding common mistakes, such as using "it" or "them" when a specific substitute is required.
You'll work through 10 questions featuring a mix of single-choice, multi-choice, drop-down, and drag-and-drop formats.
Try the quiz to check your knowledge!
Correct answers
Question 1
The correct answers are: I'll take the chocolate cupcake, and also that strawberry one. These vanilla cupcakes look good, but I prefer the chocolate ones.
We use one to replace a singular countable noun (like cupcake) to avoid repeating it.
We use ones to replace a plural countable noun (like cupcakes).
"A stale ones" is incorrect because "a" is singular but "ones" is plural. "Three big one" is incorrect because "three" is plural but "one" is singular.
Question 2
"We have many donuts missing," the baker cried. "Which ones did the thief take?" "He took a large chocolate one with rainbow sprinkles," the detective replied, wiping a suspicious crumb from his chin.
We use ones after question words like which to replace a plural noun (donuts).
We use one after an adjective (chocolate) to replace a singular noun (a single donut).
Question 4
Complete the friends' packing conversation by choosing the correct word for each blank to avoid repeating the nouns.
"Which jacket are you bringing? I think you should take the heavy one."
"Don't pack those stiff shoes. Bring the comfortable ones."
"Which jacket are you bringing? I think you should take the heavy one."
"Jacket" is a singular noun, so we substitute it with the singular pronoun "one".
"Don't pack those stiff shoes. Bring the comfortable ones."
"Shoes" is a plural noun, so we substitute it with the plural pronoun "ones".
Question 5
Help the picky shopper decide what to say to the cashier.
"This yellow wool sweater is much too itchy. I think I will buy the green ___ instead."
The correct answer is one.
We use one to substitute for the singular noun "sweater" to avoid sounding repetitive. When describing a specific item with an adjective ("the green..."), "one" is required. "The green it" is not grammatically correct.
Question 6
Help the hungry customer order some treats without repeating themselves! Choose the correct word to complete each sentence.
"I'd like a muffin, please. I think I'll take the blueberry one."
"Also, those cupcakes look amazing. I'll buy the chocolate ones."
"I'd like a muffin, please. I think I'll take the blueberry one."
We use "one" to replace a singular countable noun (muffin) so we don't have to say "the blueberry muffin."
"Also, those cupcakes look amazing. I'll buy the chocolate ones."
We use "ones" to replace a plural countable noun (cupcakes) so we don't have to say "the chocolate cupcakes."
Question 7
The correct answers are: My suitcase is broken, so I need to buy a new one. Don't pack the dirty shirts; only pack the clean ones.
One correctly replaces the singular noun suitcase, and ones correctly replaces the plural noun shirts.
You cannot use "one" to replace an uncountable noun like water.
"The lighter ones" is incorrect for replacing the singular noun jacket (it should be "the lighter one").
Question 8
"I don't like these wooden wands," the wizard complained. "Do you have any shiny ones?" "Certainly! And what about a hat? This tall one is very popular," replied the shopkeeper.
Use ones to avoid repeating the plural countable noun wands.
Use one to avoid repeating the singular countable noun hat.
Question 9
The correct answers are: Look at all these kittens! I really love the playful ones. That orange cat is cute, but this gray one is friendlier.
Use ones for plural nouns (kittens -> playful ones) and one for singular nouns (cat -> gray one).
"A fluffy ones" is incorrect because "a" means one, but "ones" is plural.
"The little one are awake" is incorrect because "one" is singular and cannot be used with the plural verb "are" (it should be "the little ones are awake").
Question 10
Help the clumsy wizard choose the correct word to finish his sentence.
"My old magic wand is completely broken," sighed the wizard. "I definitely need a new ___ before the big spelling bee tomorrow!"
The correct answer is one.
We use the singular pronoun one to avoid repeating a singular countable noun ("wand"). We cannot say "a new it" or "a new some."