One of the eggs was bad. She is one of those children who refuses to share things .
She is one of those children who refuse to share things. After a phrase beginning with one of , the verb is singular: ‘One of the main disadvantages is the cost of the battery.’ However when one of is followed by a relative clause, the verb in the relative clause is usually plural: ‘He’s one of those people who are always complaining .’ In informal styles , some people use a singular verb, but careful users regard this as incorrect. 4
After we had been to Helen’s house, we went to Paul’s one.
After we had been to Helen’s house, we went to Paul’s. Avoid one/ones immediately after an -’ s/-s ’ form, especially in formal styles : ‘No, it’s not mine - it’s my wife’s .’ Compare: ‘John’s new one is the same as yours.’ (= -’ s/-s ’ form + adjective + noun) 5
If you can carry those books, I’ll bring these ones.
If you can carry those books, I’ll bring these. This book will be of interest to all those ones involved in the tourist industry.
This book will be of interest to all those involved in the tourist industry. Avoid ones immediately after these/those , especially in formal styles: ‘Within this group, there are those who are willing to take risks and those who are more cautious.’ Compare: ‘These plastic ones are cheaper.’ (= these/those + adjective + noun) 6
All the shoe s and handbags they sell are handmade ones.
