Language Research

one · number

/wʌn/Full view

one

A1 the number 1

Dictionary examples:

You've got three bags and I've only got one.

one hundred and ninety-one people

Four parcels came this morning, but only one was for Mark.

Paint one side, leave it to dry, and then paint the other.

Learner example:

She has got three da[ug]hters and one son. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Urdu)

one · pronoun

/wʌn/

one (PARTICULAR PERSON/THING)

A2 used to refer to a particular person or thing in a group that has already been talked about

Dictionary examples:

I've got a few books on Chinese food. You can borrow one if you like.

Which one would you like?

Would you make a copy for everybody in the office and a few extra ones for the visitors.

"Which cake would you like?" "The one at the front."

There were lots of people standing watching, and not one of them offered to help.

Learner example:

The best one was a colourful T-shirt. (Key English Test; A2; Italian)

one another

B1 each other

Dictionary example:

How can they reach an agreement if they won't talk to one another?

Learner example:

We know one another from Poland. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Polish)

one by one

B2 separately, one after the other

Dictionary examples:

One by one the old buildings in the city have been demolished and replaced with modern tower blocks.

They entered the room one by one.

Learner example:

So, he decides to investigate his death and he meets Harry's friends, one by one, to [find out] how he died, but they tell him different stories. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

one at a time

B2 separately

Dictionary example:

Eat them one at a time.

Learner example:

The story was a horrible one but it had a harmless ending. The mad man kills one at a time, but in the end, the producer of the film says: "Cut, we'll take everything once again." (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

one after another

B2 many, in a series, especially with very little time between them

Dictionary examples:

They had four children one after another.

She ate the chocolates one after the other until the box was finished.

Learner example:

Little parties organised one after another by [the] represent[ative]s of different countries gave me [an] opportunity to try the French, Spanish or Japanese special[tie]s. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

(all) in one

C2 combined into a single thing

Dictionary example:

It's a vacation and art course all in one.

Learner example:

The internet is like combining a television, a telephone and an airplane all in one. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Portuguese)

one (ANY PERSON)

C1 any person in general

Dictionary example:

One ought to respect one's parents.

Learner example:

One can learn the beauty of the Greek language by simply reading the headings and will [soon] find that "The Step" is the best newspaper of all. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)

one · determiner

/wʌn/

one (PARTICULAR PERSON/THING)

A2 used to refer to a particular person or thing in a group

Dictionary examples:

One drawback is the cost of housing in the area.

One of our daughters has just got married.

Our organization is just one of many charities that are providing famine relief in the region.

Learner example:

One of my presents was a dog! (Key English Test; A2; Spanish)

one day

A2 used to talk about something that happened in the past

Dictionary example:

One day, I came home to find my windows smashed.

Learner example:

One day, I was reading an interesting book when someone called me. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)

one (FUTURE TIME)

B2 used to refer to a time in the future which is not yet decided

Dictionary examples:

Why don't we meet for lunch one day next week?

I'd like to go skiing one Christmas.

Learner example:

I would be very glad if Enrico could stay with you one summer. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

one (PARTICULAR TIME)

B2 used to refer to a particular occasion while avoiding stating the exact moment

Dictionary examples:

I met him one day in the park.

One night we stayed up talking till dawn.

He was attacked as he was walking home from work late one afternoon.

Learner example:

One afternoon, my mum called me asking what I was doing. (First Certificate in English; B2; Japanese)

one (SINGLE)

B2 a single thing

Dictionary examples:

Do you think five of us will manage to squeeze into the one car?

There's too much data to fit onto just one disk.

I think we should paint the bedroom all one colour.

Learner example:

I would recommend just the one hotel: Riverside Hotel, which offers great value. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

one (ONLY)

B2 used when saying there is no other person or thing

Dictionary examples:

He's the one person you can rely on in an emergency.

This may be your one and only opportunity to meet her.

My final guest on tonight's show needs no introduction. Please welcome the one and only Michael Jordan!

Learner example:

Often it's the one and only possibility for young children to see wild animals or unknown animals from the other side of the world in real life. (First Certificate in English; B2; German)

one day

B1 at some time in the future

Dictionary example:

I'd like to go to Berlin again one day.

Learner example:

I hope one day I can become like that. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Vietnamese)

one or two

B1 a few

Dictionary example:

I'd like to make one or two suggestions.

Learner example:

I need more T shirts, new skate shoes and perhaps one or two pullovers. (Preliminary English Test; B1; French)

one way or another

B2 in some way that is not stated

Dictionary examples:

One way or another these bills have to be paid.

Everyone at the party was related in one way or another.

Learner example:

All of them made a big difference [to] our personal life and have affected it one way or another. (First Certificate in English; B2; Dutch)

one way or the other

B2 in any way that is possible

Dictionary example:

We have to make a decision one way or the other about what needs to be done.

Learner example:

Our transportation system nowadays is also very well organised and there is a wide range of buses, subways, etc. with which you can reach your destination one way or the other. (First Certificate in English; B2; German)

one of a kind

C2 used to describe someone or something that is completely different from other people or things

Dictionary example:

My Dad was one of a kind - funny, kind and generous.

Learner example:

Pele is indeed one of a kind and can be considered a model for youngsters. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Portuguese)