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Lucas21c Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

One vs it

Could you tell me which one is right and natural between 'one' and 'it' in the following conversation? If both of them are okay, could you tell me what the difference is between them? Thank you in advance.

A: Are you going to buy a gift for C?
B: Yes. I was thinking of getting him a book.
A: Sounds great! When are you going to buy [one/it]?
B: This evening.
  

Top answer

lucas21c I was thinking of getting him a book . When are you going to buy one ? A believes B is referring to any book, whatever is available and appropriate.

  • lucas21c I was thinking of getting him a book .
  • When are you going to buy one ?
  • A believes B is referring to any book, whatever is available and appropriate.
  • When are you going to buy it ?
  • A believes that B is referring to one book in particular, and no other.
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1 Answers
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lucas21cI was thinking of getting him a book.
When are you going to buy one? A believes B is referring to any book, whatever is available and appropriate.

When are you going to buy it? A believes that B is referring to one book in particular, and no other.

A doesn't know which situation applies, so, dependi

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