One is not merely a number…

Today’s English
April 25th, 2017

The word “one" has several usages apart from using it as number 1 and at the same time non native speakers of English generally commit certain mistakes in using them. Let’s discuss few of them today:

1.Don’t repeat a noun. Use “one"

Would you like a costly watch or a cheap one? (Watch not to be repeated)
An inspiring message on WhatsApp will change your life just as a useless one will waste your time. (Message not to be repeated)

2.When you make general statement, especially to stress truth in it, use “one". (Here one is impersonal indefinite pronoun)

One cannot speak all the languages in the world.
To live in the present, one should forget the past and stop dreaming about future.

3.The plural of one is ones. You can also use one,  after this, that, these and those to avoid repetition.

Do you want this sari or that one? (Don’t repeat sari)
All your worn out things can be replaced by these new ones.

4.Don’t use one, after the uncountable.

Do you want hot water or cold?
Wrong usage: Do you want hot water or cold water/one?

5.Don’t use one "immediately after" these, those, possessive adjectives(Raju's, Uma's), and genitive adjectives(her, your, my…)

I would rather like those saris instead of these. (Not these ones)
Since I had no car, I borrowed Devarajan's. (Not Devarajan's car/one)
Your dress is more beautiful than mine. (Not my dress/my one)

6.Don’t use his or her instead of the possessive form one's

One should take care of one’s own health. (Not his own health)
One should first love one’s family before doing any social service.(Not his family)

7.Traditional English: "each other" versus "one another", but modern English: No difference. (Traditional grammar:  Each other should be used to refer to two people and one another should be used while talking about more than two people.)

The two friends were helpful to each other.
The members of the group helped one another by sharing useful messages they come to know.

“There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved.” – George Sand, a French woman novelist.