Why does ‘one’ have the singular form

Question

"Neville," Ron exploded, "get away from that hole and don't be an idiot --"
"Don't you call me an idiot!" said Neville. I don't think you should be breaking any more rules! And you were the one who told me to stand up to people!"

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Why does ‘one’ have the singular form while ‘you’ before were is plural?

BarbaraPA · Accepted Answer

The "you" refers to "Ron" I believe, so "one" is suitable. Is there more context that makes you think that "you" applies to more than one person?

Psychoword · Answer

To answer your actual question, in English, the "you" form traditionally uses the plural form of verbs, because "you" cannot always be clearly defined as singular or plural.  It's one of those quirks of the English language that you just have to get used to as you continue to learn the language.

Clive · Answer

And you were the one who told me to stand up to people!" The 'one' makes it clear that 'you' is singular.

And you were the ones who told me to stand up to people!" The plural 'ones' makes it clear that 'you' is plural.

Clive

Fivejedjon · Answer

The fact that 'you' happens to be followed by the same form of the verb as plural pronouns are does not mean that it is necessarily plural.

Why does ‘one’ have the singular form

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