this one / that one

Pointing Out a Thing

Level 1

This one and that one can identify a known object without naming it again: I want this one. The pronoun one here differs from sentence-final one and from the number one.

How It Works

This one and that one point to a known item without repeating its noun. This often concerns a nearer or current choice, while that can point to a farther or previously mentioned choice. The conversation and gesture identify the actual item.

Here one stands for a thing: I want this one means that I want the indicated item. It is not a sentence-final assertion particle. A quantity can still be expressed separately, as in One of these is enough. Avoid assigning the same function to every written one; its place in the phrase is an important clue.

Examples (4)

  1. I want this one.

    I want this item.

  2. That one too heavy.

    That item is too heavy.

  3. Can show me the blue one?

    Can you show me the blue item?

  4. This one for you, that one for Mei.

    This item is for you and that item is for Mei.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

this one / that oneLevel 1Pointing Out a Thing

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.