instead of the one vs instead of one

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Instead of the one' is used when referring to a specific item or person among others, while 'instead of one' is used when talking about a general choice or option without specifying a particular one.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 2397 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a specific item or person among others.

"instead of the one"

This phrase is used when you want to specify a particular item or person that is being replaced or chosen over others.

Examples:

I chose the red dress instead of the one with flowers.
Instead of the one on the left, I prefer the one on the right.

Show examples from the web [+]

Where you write or say a color That you see instead of the one you mean.
How about we go see a real horror movie tonight instead of the one you got in your head?
Maybe I should have read a real history book instead of the one Dad wrote.
They flash across a person's face for a fraction of a second, revealing their true emotion, instead of the one they're covering with.
It looks like they came out on a standard scramble heading instead of the one I gave.
When checking this the previous used or opened tab will be activated when you close the current active tab instead of the one right to the current tab.
As you all know, last year, for the fifth year in a row, the store owners chose to go with a commercial that was submitted by Howdy's West instead of the one submitted by me.
Tomorrow you'll be the daughter that forgot father's day instead of the one who remembered.
I got you two little hams instead of the one big one,
We need you to slim down, muscle up and become the everyman People want to be instead of the one they actually are.
Position: The period defined under article 5a (3) (c) and (4) (e) should be extended to three months instead of the one month as proposed by the Commission.
Instead of the one proposed by the Commission, the best solution would undoubtedly be to give up the summer time arrangement and keep GMT + 1 hour for the whole year, at least as far as France is concerned.
When checking this the previous used or opened tab will be activated when you close the current active tab instead of the one right to the current tab.
If I'd known you were going to the next town instead of the one nearest the motel, I would've never gotten into this vehicle.

Alternatives:

instead of that one
instead of this one
instead of the blue one
instead of the old one
instead of the expensive one

This phrase is correct and commonly used when talking about a general choice or option without specifying a particular one.

"instead of one"

This phrase is used when you want to talk about choosing one option over others in a general sense, without specifying a particular one.

Examples:

I'll have tea instead of one of those sugary drinks.
Instead of one large pizza, let's order two small ones.

Show examples from the web [+]

Two 8s instead of one could also be significant.
Cuts half a dozen profits instead of one.
Your name is why it took six instead of one.
I put in 100 copies instead of one.
Recovery time could be four weeks instead of one year.
8 months instead of one year.
I put in 100 copies instead of one.
Your hair was in two braids instead of one.
But instead of one miracle, we were given three: the Pre-Cognitives.
It allows you to explore two terrains instead of one.
Choosing from several flowers instead of one flower is unsuitable.
You know, two doctors instead of one.
Just means you'll be taking two hormone supplements instead of one.
We'd have two companies rolling in the dough instead of one when it finally hits.
Two bad excuses instead of one?
I had the opportunity to place two children instead of one, both in very good homes.
Announcing your engagement at the ball so there would be... ...two families standing behind me, instead of one.
That way you can put two names on the contract instead of one.
We'll give her two things to track instead of one.
He took six pills in one hour, instead of one every four hours.

Alternatives:

instead of any
instead of some
instead of a few
instead of many
instead of all

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instead of the one vs instead of one