Utiliser 'one' et 'ones' pour remplacer les noms
fluide, concise et authentique.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'one' (singular) and 'ones' (plural) to replace a previously mentioned countable noun to avoid repetitive and clunky sentences.
- Use 'one' for singular countable nouns: 'I like that car, the red one.'
- Use 'ones' for plural countable nouns: 'Which shoes? The black ones.'
- Never use 'one/ones' for uncountable nouns like water, advice, or luggage.
Overview
one et ones.one et ones n'est pas seulement une question de grammaire, c'est une question de nuance stylistique. Ces mots agissent comme des substituts nominaux (des « pro-forms ») qui permettent de faire référence à un nom déjà mentionné sans alourdir la phrase. Imagine que tu es dans un café à Londres ou que tu rédiges un rapport professionnel : répéter trois fois le mot report ou coffee te ferait paraître moins compétent que tu ne l'es réellement.one et ones repose sur le principe de la référence anaphorique : on pointe vers l'arrière, vers quelque chose qui a déjà été établi. Mais attention, contrairement au français où l'on peut souvent laisser l'adjectif « seul » pour désigner un objet, l'anglais exige presque toujours un support après l'adjectif. C'est ce rôle de « support » que one remplit à merveille.one et ones est intrinsèquement lié à la distinction entre les noms dénombrables (count nouns) et indénombrables (uncountable nouns). C'est la première règle d'or : one et ones ne remplacent que des noms que l'on peut compter.- « Quel livre veux-tu ? — Celui qui est sur la table. »
- En anglais :
Which book do you want? — The one on the table.
one remplace book. La règle est simple en apparence :- 1
oneremplace un nom singulier dénombrable. - 2
onesremplace un nom pluriel dénombrable.
- Si tu parles d'un objet spécifique que l'interlocuteur connaît déjà, tu utiliseras
the oneouthe ones. - Si tu parles d'un objet quelconque appartenant à une catégorie, tu utiliseras
a one(souvent précédé d'un adjectif) ou simplementone.
it et one. En français, nous utilisons souvent « le » ou « la » pour les deux situations.itdésigne l'objet identique (l'entité même).onedésigne un objet similaire (un exemplaire de la catégorie).
I found my key. I found it.(C'est la même clé que j'avais perdue).I lost my pen. I need to buy a new one.(Je ne vais pas racheter le même stylo physique, mais un nouveau stylo de la même catégorie).
the + one | The one in the red dress. | Celle en robe rouge. |the + adjective + one | I'll take the blue one. | Je vais prendre le bleu. |the + ones | The ones we saw yesterday. | Ceux que nous avons vus hier. |the + adjective + ones | The expensive ones are better. | Les plus chers sont meilleurs. |a one tout seul. On l'utilise généralement avec un adjectif.I need a drink, a cold one.(J'ai besoin d'une boisson, une [boisson] fraîche).If you want a laptop, you should get a fast one.(Si tu veux un ordinateur, tu devrais en prendre un rapide).
- Avec
thisetthat, l'ajout deoneest fréquent mais facultatif dans certains contextes, bien qu'il renforce la clarté :this oneouthat one. - Avec
theseetthose, l'usage deonesest beaucoup plus rare et souvent considéré comme lourd. On préférera dire simplementtheseouthose.
whichWhich one do you prefer?(Lequel préfères-tu ?)Which ones are yours?(Lesquels sont à toi ?)
one/ones est indispensable dans quatre situations majeures que tu rencontreras quotidiennement dans un environnement anglophone professionnel ou social.The first chapter is boring, but the second one is fascinating.- Ici,
oneévite de répéterchapter. En français, on dirait « le deuxième est fascinant », mais en anglais, direthe second is fascinatingsonne parfois incomplet ou trop formel (sauf dans des contextes mathématiques ou très techniques).
I don't like these shoes. I prefer the leather ones.- Ici,
onespermet de mettre l'accent sur la matière (leather) tout en gardant le lien avec l'objet (shoes).
- Faux :
I have two cars. The red is faster. - Juste :
I have two cars. The red one is faster.
one peut désigner une personne.A great leader is one who listens.(Un grand leader est quelqu'un qui écoute).The lucky ones will survive.(Les chanceux survivront).
one après un adjectif- Erreur :
I like your hat. Where can I buy a similar? - Pourquoi : En français, on dit « un similaire ».
- Correction :
I like your hat. Where can I buy a similar one? - Règle : Un adjectif singulier ne peut pas rester seul s'il remplace un nom dénombrable.
one pour de l'argent, du temps, du travail, de l'eau, ou des conseils.- Erreur :
I need some advice. Can you give me a good one? - Pourquoi :
Adviceest indénombrable en anglais (contrairement à « un conseil » en français). - Correction :
Can you give me some good advice?oua good piece of advice?.
it vs one- Erreur :
I like this cake. Can I have one?(Si tu veux manger le gâteau précis que tu pointes). - Correction :
I like this cake. Can I have it? - Note : Si tu dis
Can I have one?à la boulangerie, tu demandes un autre gâteau du même type. Si tu disCan I have it?, tu veux celui qui est exposé.
ones oubliés en anglais.- Erreur :
I prefer the blue one.(en parlant de chaussures/shoes). - Correction :
I prefer the blue ones.
one/ones, it/they, et that/those. Ce tableau récapitule les nuances.one / ones | Remplace un exemplaire d'une catégorie. | I need a pen. Do you have one? |it / they | Désigne l'objet spécifique exact. | I found my pen. It was under the desk. |that / those | Plus formel, souvent utilisé devant un complément. | The climate of Italy is like that of Greece. |some | Utilisé pour une quantité indéfinie (souvent au lieu de ones). | I don't have any stamps. I need to buy some. |that vs one :that (au lieu de the one) dans un langage plus littéraire ou académique, surtout quand il est suivi de of.The population of Paris is larger than that of Marseille.(Plus élégant quethe one of Marseille).
one pour parler de personnes ?The young ones (les jeunes), the loved ones (les proches). C'est très courant et naturel. Cependant, au singulier, the one pour une personne est souvent très spécifique, comme dans She is the one (C'est l'élue / la bonne personne).the ones après these ou those ?These contient déjà l'idée de pluralité et de désignation. Dire these ones est techniquement correct mais sonne souvent un peu enfantin ou redondant pour un locuteur natif. Contente-toi de I'll take these.one après my, your, his ?mine, yours, his.- Faux :
My one is red. - Juste :
Mine is red.
My old one is red.one peut être utilisé après each ou every ?each one, mais on ne dit jamais every one pour remplacer un nom (on utilise everyone pour les personnes ou every single one pour l'emphase). Each one est très utile pour insister sur l'individualité au sein d'un groupe.Substitution Patterns
| Noun Type | Singular Form | Plural Form | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Countable Noun
|
one
|
ones
|
The red one / The red ones
|
|
Uncountable Noun
|
N/A (Repeat noun)
|
N/A
|
Cold water / Hot water
|
|
After 'Which'
|
Which one?
|
Which ones?
|
Which one do you want?
|
|
After 'This/That'
|
This one / That one
|
These ones / Those ones
|
I'll take this one.
|
|
After Adjectives
|
The big one
|
The big ones
|
I need a bigger one.
|
|
After 'Each'
|
Each one
|
N/A
|
Each one is unique.
|
Meanings
The words 'one' and 'ones' function as substitute pronouns. They allow a speaker to refer back to a countable noun mentioned earlier in the discourse without repeating the noun itself, provided the context makes the identity of the object clear.
Singular Substitution
Replacing a singular countable noun after an adjective or determiner.
“This laptop is faster than my old one.”
“I don't want the small box; I want the big one.”
Plural Substitution
Replacing a plural countable noun to distinguish between groups.
“The new regulations are stricter than the previous ones.”
“I prefer the green apples to the red ones.”
Generic 'One'
Using 'one' as a formal third-person singular pronoun to refer to people in general.
“One must always be careful when crossing the street.”
“One never knows what the future holds.”
Reference Table
| Type d'usage | Exemple (Singulier) | Exemple (Pluriel) | Explication |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Général (Indéfini)
|
I need a phone. I want a new one.
|
These shoes are old. I need new ones.
|
Fait référence à un élément non spécifié d'un type.
|
|
Spécifique (Défini)
|
This is the car. The blue one.
|
Which books are yours? The ones on the table.
|
Fait référence à un élément spécifique déjà identifié.
|
|
Avec Adjectifs
|
I prefer a quiet spot. A cozy one.
|
I like fresh berries. The ripe ones.
|
Spécifie quel élément quand il y a des choix.
|
|
Dans les Comparaisons
|
This movie is better than the last one.
|
The older cars are cheaper than the new ones.
|
Utilisé pour comparer des éléments du même type.
|
|
Après 'the other'
|
I finished one task; now for the other one.
|
Some studies are positive; the other ones are negative.
|
Fait référence au(x) élément(s) restant(s) d'une paire ou d'un groupe.
|
Spectre de formalité
Of the available options, the former one is preferable. (Decision making)
I think the first one is better. (Decision making)
I'll go with the first one. (Decision making)
That first one's the winner. (Decision making)
La Polyvalence de 'One' & 'Ones'
Singulier
- a new car a new one
- the red book the red one
Pluriel
- comfortable shoes comfortable ones
- the old files the old ones
Fonctions
- Éviter la Répétition Rend les phrases fluides
- Comparaisons Met en évidence les différences
- Avec Adjectifs Spécifie les éléments
'One/Ones' vs Répéter le Nom
Décider entre 'One' ou 'Ones'
As-tu besoin de remplacer un NOM ?
Le nom est-il SINGULIER (ex: 'car') ?
Le nom est-il PLURIEL (ex: 'cars') ?
'One/Ones' en Action : Contextes Quotidiens
Shopping
- • Which shirt is the cheaper one?
- • I need new trainers, the comfy ones.
Description
- • My old phone was good, but this new one is amazing.
- • I prefer the blue ones over the red ones.
Comparaison
- • This movie is better than the last one.
- • The local restaurants are better than the chain ones.
Poser des Questions
- • Do you have a spare one?
- • Which ones should I take?
Exemples par niveau
I have a red pen and a blue one.
I have a red pen and a blue one.
Which one is your bag?
Which one is your bag?
I like the small ones.
I like the small ones.
This cup is dirty. Can I have a clean one?
This cup is dirty. Can I have a clean one?
These shoes are too big. Do you have smaller ones?
These shoes are too big. Do you have smaller ones?
I don't like this movie. Let's watch a funny one.
I don't like this movie. Let's watch a funny one.
My car is the white one over there.
My car is the white one over there.
There are two cakes. Which one do you want?
There are two cakes. Which one do you want?
If you need a map, I can lend you one.
If you need a map, I can lend you one.
The hotel was okay, but the one we stayed in last year was better.
The hotel was okay, but the one we stayed in last year was better.
I've lost my keys. I'll have to get some new ones made.
I've lost my keys. I'll have to get some new ones made.
I don't want to buy a cheap laptop; I'd rather save for a good one.
I don't want to buy a cheap laptop; I'd rather save for a good one.
The problems we face today are more complex than the ones our parents faced.
The problems we face today are more complex than the ones our parents faced.
I've tried several methods, but this one seems the most effective.
I've tried several methods, but this one seems the most effective.
Of all the candidates, she is the one most likely to succeed.
Of all the candidates, she is the one most likely to succeed.
We need to replace these old monitors with high-resolution ones.
We need to replace these old monitors with high-resolution ones.
The transition from a traditional economy to a digital one is fraught with challenges.
The transition from a traditional economy to a digital one is fraught with challenges.
His later novels are far more introspective than his early ones.
His later novels are far more introspective than his early ones.
One should always consider the ethical implications of one's research.
One should always consider the ethical implications of one's research.
The criteria for selection were quite rigorous, especially the ones pertaining to experience.
The criteria for selection were quite rigorous, especially the ones pertaining to experience.
The dichotomy between the perceived reality and the actual one is a central theme in the play.
The dichotomy between the perceived reality and the actual one is a central theme in the play.
While some critics praised the performance, the more discerning ones found it lacking in nuance.
While some critics praised the performance, the more discerning ones found it lacking in nuance.
The architectural styles of the northern provinces differ significantly from the ones found in the south.
The architectural styles of the northern provinces differ significantly from the ones found in the south.
Should you require a replacement, we can dispatch a refurbished one immediately.
Should you require a replacement, we can dispatch a refurbished one immediately.
Facile à confondre
Learners use 'one' when they mean a specific, identical object.
Using 'one' for uncountable nouns.
Erreurs courantes
I like the blue.
I like the blue one.
I have two ones.
I have two.
This is my one.
This is mine.
The advice he gave was a good one.
The advice he gave was good.
Structures de phrases
I don't like the ___, I prefer the ___ one.
Of all the ___, the ___ ones are the most ___.
Real World Usage
Do you have this shirt in a larger one?
My previous role was similar to this one.
I'll have the spicy one, please.
Is the light a blinking one or a steady one?
This theory is more robust than the previous one.
The old version was better than the new one.
Pense 'Substitution'
I need a new laptop; my old one is too slow.
Ne Mélange Pas Singulier & Pluriel
These books are interesting. The blue ones are my favorite.
Conscience des Articles
I want a new car, a fast one.
Fluidité Naturelle
Which one do you prefer?
Le Pouvoir de l'Adjectif
I like the red dress, but the green one is prettier.
Smart Tips
Check if the noun is countable. If it is, swap the second mention for 'one' or 'ones'.
In spoken English, adding 'one' makes your pointing more specific and natural.
Stop! Use 'mine' or 'yours' unless you have an adjective in the middle.
Ensure you stay consistent. If you start with 'one', you must use 'one's' for possession, not 'his' or 'their'.
Prononciation
The Schwa in 'One'
In rapid speech, 'one' is often unstressed and the vowel reduces slightly, though it usually retains its /wʌn/ sound.
Stress on Adjectives
When using 'the [Adjective] one', the stress usually falls on the adjective, not on 'one'.
Contrastive Stress
I don't want the BLUE one, I want the RED one.
Emphasizing the difference between two choices.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Countable? Use One/Ones. Uncountable? Leave it alone!
Association visuelle
Imagine a shelf of identical jars. You point to 'the blue one' or 'the small ones'. If you try to point to 'one' water, the water slips through your fingers because you can't count it.
Rhyme
If you've said the noun before, use 'one' to open the door.
Story
A shopper enters a store and asks for 'the hat'. The clerk shows ten hats. The shopper says, 'Not that one, the red one!' The clerk then shows shoes. The shopper says, 'Not those ones, the leather ones!'
Word Web
Défi
Look around your room. Find three pairs of similar objects (e.g., two books, two pens). Describe which 'one' you prefer for each pair using an adjective.
Notes culturelles
British speakers are slightly more likely to use 'one' as a generic pronoun (e.g., 'One does try one's best') in formal contexts compared to Americans.
In the US, 'these ones' and 'those ones' are very common in casual speech, though teachers often correct them to just 'these' or 'those'.
Derived from the Old English 'ān', meaning 'one' (the number).
Amorces de conversation
If you could trade your current phone for a newer one, which one would you choose?
When buying clothes, do you prefer cheap ones that you can replace often, or expensive ones that last?
Sujets d'écriture
Erreurs courantes
Test Yourself
I have two bags, but I prefer the black ___.
Choose the correct sentence:
Find and fix the mistake:
My phone is broken. I need a new ones.
Score: /3
Exercices pratiques
8 exercisesI don't like these shoes. I prefer the leather ___.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
This is my one book.
I have a red car and a blue car.
1. Apples, 2. Water, 3. Laptop
A: Which tie should I wear? B: Wear the ___.
You can use 'one' to replace the word 'information'.
1. Red car, 2. Cold milk, 3. Big houses, 4. My pen
Score: /8
Practice Bank
13 exercisesThis coffee machine makes good espresso. Do you have a smaller ___ for home?
The company released several new products. The most innovative ___ quickly sold out.
If you're looking for a challenging project, the research proposal is definitely the ___.
My old car was reliable, but the new ones is much faster.
The small dogs are cute, but I prefer the big one.
Among the various solutions, the most practical ones seemed to be neglected.
Which sentence is correct?
Which of these sentences is correct?
Translate into English: 'Estas gafas son nuevas, pero las viejas eran más cómodas.'
Translate into English: 'Ella tiene dos gatos, y el blanco es el más juguetón.'
Arrange these words into a coherent sentence:
Create a grammatically correct sentence:
Match the noun phrase with its correct substitute:
Score: /13
FAQ (8)
Yes, you can use 'one' to refer to people, especially when distinguishing between them. For example: 'She is the one in the red dress.'
In formal writing, it is better to just use 'these'. However, 'these ones' is very common in spoken English and is generally accepted in casual contexts.
English uses possessive pronouns like `mine`, `yours`, and `hers` for this purpose. You only use `one` after a possessive if there is an adjective: 'my blue one'.
No. For uncountable nouns like `water`, `advice`, or `happiness`, you must repeat the noun or use a word like `some` or `any`.
`It` refers to the exact same object mentioned before. `One` refers to a different object of the same type.
You can often omit 'one' after superlatives (e.g., 'This is the best') or after 'this/that' if the meaning is clear.
Yes, both as a substitute word to avoid repetition and as a formal generic pronoun meaning 'a person'.
Yes, for example: 'The ones who finished early can leave.'
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
el/la + adjective
Spanish does not need a substitute word like 'one'.
celui/celle
French pronouns change based on gender, whereas 'one' is gender-neutral.
der/die/das + adjective ending
German relies on case and gender endings rather than a substitute noun.
no (の)
Japanese 'no' is very similar in function to English 'one'.
al- + adjective
Arabic lacks a direct equivalent to the 'prop-word' one.
de (的)
Like Japanese, Chinese uses a particle rather than a pronoun.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Vidéos associées
How a Video Game Gave Antarctica Its Flag
How much does it cost to fly private? - Rachel Yang
The Loophole That Could End The Electoral College
Quand utiliser ONE et ONES en ANGLAIS ? (Exercices corrigés)
AnglaisCours Club
One et Ones en anglais - Cours d'anglais
Anglais en ligne
One et Ones en anglais : comment les utiliser ?
Anglais 5 Minutes
Related Grammar Rules
Prédire l'avenir : Utiliser 'Likely' et 'Unlikely' (Hédging)
Overview Avez-vous déjà été sûr à 90 % que votre chauffeur Uber allait annuler, mais vous ne vouliez pas passer pour un...
Idiomes de Succès : Démarrages Rapides & Grands Résultats (Hit the Ground Running, Bear Fruit)
Overview Avez-vous déjà commencé un nouveau jeu vidéo et connu immédiatement tous les boutons ? Ou peut-être avez-vous...
Hédging en Anglais : Utiliser 'Probably', 'Perhaps' et 'Possibly'
Overview Avez-vous déjà envoyé un SMS disant `I'll be there at 8` pour réaliser ensuite qu'à 7h45 vous êtes toujours en...
Idiomes de Conflit: Se Battre & Faire la Paix (À couteaux tirés, Enterrer la hache de guerre)
Overview Avez-vous déjà essayé de décider quelle série Netflix regarder avec votre meilleur ami, alors que vous vouliez...
Idiomes anglais du changement (Tourner une nouvelle page & Changement radical)
Overview Avez-vous déjà promis que vous commenceriez enfin cette application de sport lundi ? Peut-être avez-vous suppri...