one · det
one (FUTURE TIME)
B2 used to refer to a time in the future that is not yet decided
Dictionary examples:
Why don't we meet for lunch one day next week? (13.9)
I'd like to go skiing one Christmas. (16.3)
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. (8.4)
One night we stayed up talking till dawn. (35.5)
He was attacked as he was walking home from work late one afternoon. (36.3)
one (SINGLE)
B2 a single thing
Dictionary examples:
I think we should paint the bedroom all one color. (25.0)
Do you think five of us will manage to squeeze into one car? (41.6)
There's too much data to fit onto just one disk. (58.6)
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. (25.0)
This may be your one and only opportunity to meet her. (34.2)
My final guest on tonight's show needs no introduction. Please welcome the one and only Michael Jordan! (38.2)
one way or another
B2 in some way that is not stated
Dictionary examples:
One way or another these bills have to be paid. (15.4)
Everyone at the party was related in one way or another. (29.0)
one way or the other
B2 in any way that is possible
Dictionary examples:
We have to make a decision one way or the other about what needs to be done. (38.8)
one of a kind
C2 used to describe someone or something that is completely different from other people or things
Dictionary examples:
My Dad was one of a kind - funny, kind and generous. (31.5)
one (PARTICULAR PERSON/THING)
A2 used to refer to a particular person or thing in a group
Dictionary examples:
One classmate always asks questions right before the bell rings. (0.0)
One friend always forgets his wallet on pizza night. (0.0)
One shoe always goes missing before important meetings. (0.0)
One of our daughters just got married. (17.8)
One drawback is the cost of housing in the area. (58.4)
Our organization is just one of many charities that are providing famine relief in the region. (74.6)
one day
B1 at some time in the future
Dictionary examples:
I'll understand my math teacher's jokes one day, maybe in 100 years. (0.0)
One day, my plants will survive longer than a week under my care. (0.0)
I hope to learn to juggle chainsaws one day, but not today! (0.0)
I'd like to go to Berlin again one day. (10.2)
one day
A2 used to talk about something that happened in the past
Dictionary examples:
One day, my cat decided to become a dog. (0.0)
One day, my phone decided to only speak Spanish. (0.0)
One day, my shoes decided to walk by themselves. (0.0)
One day, I came home to find my windows broken. (16.9)
one or two
B1 a few
Dictionary examples:
I've got one or two small problems. My cat thinks it's a dog. (0.0)
I need one or two new brains. Mine keeps falling asleep. (0.0)
Let me give you one or two tips. Don't eat yellow snow. (0.0)
I'd like to make one or two suggestions. (27.2)