The correct use of "Ones"

Pamela · Mon Jan 08, 2007 12:58 pm *The correct use of "Ones"*

Hi Tom,
As far as I know, after these and those ones is not used Smile

Jamie (K) · Mon Jan 08, 2007 16:16 pm *The correct use of "Ones"*

"Those" and "these" are not only demonstrative pronouns to place before a noun, but are also full pronouns in their own right that can exist independently and replace a noun or noun phrase. In your sentences, "those" and "these" can replace "cars" and "books" without help from another pronoun, so "one" is not needed. However, there are native speakers who use nonstandard English and say sentences just like the ones you wrote. It's stigmatized, but they do it.

Tom · Mon Jan 08, 2007 23:07 pm *The correct use of "Ones"*

Many thanks, Jamie (K)

Now I understand it almost fully--but there is, as always, the last question.

Jamie (K) · Mon Jan 08, 2007 23:41 pm *The correct use of "Ones"*

Conchita · Tue Jan 09, 2007 14:12 pm *The correct use of "Ones"*

Yankee · Tue Jan 09, 2007 14:43 pm *The correct use of "Ones"*

Hi all

I don't know that saying these ones and those ones is technically "wrong", but to me it would not be typical usage and they sound odd and redundant in Tom's sentences.

Whether or not the words "one" and "ones" are used in general was not the question here, but rather whether two very specific collocations are acceptable. My specific advice is that you should not use these ones and those ones. I feel that is simply good advice.

Amy

Prezbucky · Tue Jan 09, 2007 16:17 pm *The correct use of "Ones"*

I hear it all the time, though...

In a candy shop, for example:

"No, no, no, not those ones... these ones!"
_________________
Billie Jean is not my lover. Hee.

Yankee · Tue Jan 09, 2007 16:27 pm *The correct use of "Ones"*

Conchita · Tue Jan 09, 2007 16:36 pm *The correct use of "Ones"*

Prezbucky · Tue Jan 09, 2007 16:38 pm *The correct use of "Ones"*

Amy,

To be honest, I was thinking of an adult man giving orders (irritatedly more than angrily) to the shopworker... as if the worker had picked up pieces of candy other than those for which the man had asked.

My gut instinct is that omitting "ones" from those sentences is better than leaving "ones" attached.

I don't know if it's necessarily incorrect, however, to keep "ones" attached. It's a tough call.

One could say that adding "ones" makes the sentences a bit redundant, as "these" and "those" suffice to show the object of the statement.

Sister: "I like these."

Brother: "I hate those. I like these."

Yeah, in that case, "ones" is redundant. (had to talk it out to form a more concrete stance. hehe)

-------

Conchita

I hear that!
_________________
Billie Jean is not my lover. Hee.

Conchita · Thu Jan 11, 2007 16:45 pm *The correct use of "Ones"*

Yankee · Thu Jan 11, 2007 18:38 pm *The correct use of "Ones"*

Hi Tom

My intention was to give you good advice and my advice to you remains unchanged. Here are a few links to further opinions and information on the topic of these ones and those ones:
http://wsu.edu/~brians/errors/these_ones.html
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/one.htm
http://www.eslgold.com/grammar/this_that.html
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/purdueowlnews/20061024/

Amy

Tom · Thu Jan 11, 2007 21:43 pm *The correct use of "Ones"*

Prezbucky · Thu Jan 11, 2007 21:52 pm *The correct use of "Ones"*

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