GV

Substitution (do so, one/ones)

Replacing words to avoid repetition: do so, one/ones, that/those

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When to Use Substitution (do so, one/ones)

  • •Do so: replace verb phrase. If you want to leave, please do so.
  • •One: replace singular countable noun. I need a pen. Do you have one?
  • •Ones: replace plural countable noun. These shoes are nice. I prefer the red ones.
  • •That/Those: replace noun phrase. The weather here is better than that in London.
  • •So: replace clause. 'Is it raining?' 'I think so.'

How to Form Substitution (do so, one/ones)

Affirmative (+)

Substitute word replaces repeated element

Negative (-)

Not do so; not one; not the ones

Question (?)

Same substitutes in questions

💡 One/ones for countable nouns only. Use 'some' for uncountable: 'Do you have any milk?' 'Yes, I have some.'

Examples of Substitution (do so, one/ones)

✓I asked him to help and he did so.

✗I asked him to help and he did.

'Did so' is more formal; 'did' also works.

✓I like this shirt but I prefer that one.

✗I like this shirt but I prefer that.

'One' replaces 'shirt'.

✓These apples are better than those ones.

✗These apples are better than those.

Both work; 'ones' is optional after 'those'.

Common Mistakes with Substitution (do so, one/ones)

💡 Practice Tips for Substitution (do so, one/ones)

  • • Do so: formal substitute for verb phrase.
  • • One: singular countable (a book → one).
  • • Ones: plural countable (books → ones).
  • • Some: uncountable (water → some).
Quick Quiz
  1. 1.I need a pen. Do you have  ?
  2. Question 2: I need water. Do you have blank? (substitution word)
    2.I need water. Do you have ? (substitution word)
  3. Question 3: These shoes are nice. I prefer the red blank.
    3.These shoes are nice. I prefer the red .
  4. Question 4: Use a formal substitute: I asked him to help and he blank ___.
    4.Use a formal substitute: I asked him to help and he ___.
  5. Question 5: Fill the blank: 'Is it raining?' 'I think blank.' (one word)
    5.Fill the blank: 'Is it raining?' 'I think .' (one word)
  6. Question 6: Fix the word order: 'The ones red are nice.' → The blank ___ are nice.
    6.Fix the word order: 'The ones red are nice.' → The ___ are nice.
  7. Question 7: Compare with 'that': The weather here is better than blank in London.
    7.Compare with 'that': The weather here is better than in London.
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