Common mistake ones (one's)

Common Grammar Mistakes: ones (one's)

English grammar can be quite tricky, and even native speakers often make small errors without realizing it. One common mistake that we often come across is the confusion between "ones" and "one's."

Understanding the Difference

Let's start by clarifying the meanings of these two terms:

  • Ones: This term is the plural form of "one." It is used when we are referring to multiple things or people. For example: "I have three books, but none of them are the ones she borrowed."
  • One's: This term is the possessive form of "one." It is used to show ownership or belonging. For example: "I can't find my pen. Have you seen one's?" (Here, "one's" indicates that the pen belongs to someone, but we don't specify who).

Using "Ones" Correctly

When choosing between "ones" and "one's," you need to consider whether you are referring to multiple things or showing possession.

If you want to refer to multiple things or people, use "ones." For example:

  • "These apples are delicious. Can you give me some more red ones?"
  • "I love these shoes, but I need new ones for the party."

Using "One's" Correctly

When you want to indicate possession, use "one's." Here are a few examples:

  • "I can't find my phone. Have you seen one's?"
  • "We should respect one's personal space."
  • "Each student should bring one's own textbook to class."

Please note that "one's" is not commonly used in everyday conversation. It is more commonly seen in formal writing or when a sense of formality is required.

Linguix Grammar Checker: To ensure your writing is error-free, you can rely on the Linguix Grammar Checker. It will help you spot and correct common grammar mistakes, including the confusion between "ones" and "one's."

ones (one's) mistake examples

  • Correct:
    The common ones clashing with the noble ones
  • Incorrect:
    One should always wash ones feet in the morning.

    Correct:
    One should always wash one's feet in the morning.

  • Incorrect:
    Carer information: how to care for your loved ones feet.

    Correct:
    Carer information: how to care for your loved one's feet.

  • Incorrect:
    Being a forager was once an essential part of ones life.

    Correct:
    Being a forager was once an essential part of one's life.

  • Incorrect:
    It is important to brush ones teeth every day.

    Correct:
    It is important to brush one's teeth every day.

  • Correct:
    These were the ones Keith sought out.
  • Correct:
    They could predict which islands would become vulnerable with warming, and which ones might become better habitats.
  • Correct:
    ... nameless citizens who are separated from loved ones in other towns.
  • Correct:
    Give your loved ones money.
  • Correct:
    Rice-based solutions are preferred to glucose-based ones due to greater efficiency.
  • Correct:
    The frustration faced by folks who see loved ones failing to take proper care of themselves is phenomenal.
  • Correct:
    The early decades of the province were ones in which issues of land use—specifically, its settlement and development—were paramount.
  • Correct:
    But there are still dedicated anti-tank vehicles with very heavy long-range missiles, and ones intended for airborne use.
  • Correct:
    There are nearly one hundred galleries open to the public, representing of exhibition space, although the less popular ones have restricted opening times.
Linguix Browser extension
Fix your writing
on millions of websites
Linguix pencil
This website uses cookies to make Linguix work for you. By using this site, you agree to our cookie policy