Ryotaro Posted 15 years ago
Grammar
One or it
A: Guess what I am getting? A '57 Chevy. My neighber's selling one.
B: How come are you doing that?
A: I want one.
Why does A say "one" instead of "it"?
Is that just his arbitrary?
Thanks,
Ryo
B: How come are you doing that?
A: I want one.
Why does A say "one" instead of "it"?
Is that just his arbitrary?
Thanks,
Ryo
Top answer
If you say "My neighbor is selling one" it sounds a bit like he has more than one -- perhaps several. "
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If you say "My neighbor is selling one" it sounds a bit like he has more than one -- perhaps several.
More natural might be "My neighbor is selling his."
More natural might be "My neighbor is selling his."
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'57 Chevys are very desirable cars today. People ask: "Where can I find one?" "Do you know anyone who has one for sale?" "Your neighbor has one for sale?" "I'd buy one if I could find one." "I've wanted one for years, but I can't find one for sale." Etc. This car has so much status today, that, out of respect and awe, you would refer to it as "one," rather than "it" or "his".
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