I'm trying to explain to some EFL students how to use "ones" as a pronoun. This is what I came up with:
When "ones" is used as a pronoun, it usually refers to things of a particular type within a group.
A) Do you like doughnuts? B) Yes. I like the ones with jam in them.
Group: doughnuts Type: doughnuts that have jam in them
A) Do you like movies? B) Yes. I like ones with happy endings.
Group: movies Type: movies that have happy endings
A) How many cars do you own? B) Three - a blue one and two red ones.
Group: cars Type: red cars.
A) I can only afford two CDs. B) Which ones will you buy?
Group: CDs Type: CDs that 'B' will buy.
Do not use "ones" in place of "more than one."
A) Do you own a pet? B) Yes. I own ones. (INCORRECT) B) Yes. I own more than one. (CORRECT)
If 'B' were to answer, "Yes. I own ones," 'A' would think, "Ones what? Ones with fur? Ones with feathers? I know that the group is "pets", but what is the type?"
END
Is there anything drastically wrong with this explanation? This is the best way I could think of to explain how to use "ones" as a pronoun. The important thing is that they understand why "Yes. I own ones," is incorrect. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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