a ordinary one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a ordinary one" is not correct in English.
It should be "an ordinary one." You can use it when referring to something that is typical or not special in a given context. Example: "Among all the paintings in the gallery, this one is just an ordinary one."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Robomech Journal

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This is a great advantage for the purpose of sticky-note-based interaction because we can treat the sticky note like a ordinary one and throw away a waste sticky note.

ROBOMECH Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I was an artist – just an ordinary one – from my early days, when I was first conscious of anything.

The Guardian - Opinion

To say she is "Sherry" is to make her human, an individual, and an ordinary one at that.

Huffington Post

But there's a big difference between an elite athlete and an ordinary one... True, but the techniques to improve are the same.

The Guardian - Sport

For all the presence here of potential Democratic candidates for president, it was a senator, though not an ordinary one, whose speech drew the best response of the day.

The New York Times

It is that the movie turns an extraordinary life into an ordinary one and sells its heroine short.

The Guardian - Film

But a viewer who expects a festive performance may wind up with an ordinary one.

The New York Times - Arts

Note the difference between an extraordinary claim (ESP) and an ordinary one (aspirin).

Huffington Post

I tried to go about my day like it was an ordinary one but I had a ton of roadblocks.

Huffington Post

He switched to a schedule of 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. from an ordinary one of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., despite a lifelong aversion to getting up early.

The New York Times

Her winter coats start at $400, while an ordinary one can be found at a market for about $40.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct article "an" before words that begin with a vowel sound, especially when aiming for grammatical accuracy in formal writing. Ensure you use "an ordinary one" instead of "a ordinary one".

Common error

Avoid using "a" before words that start with a vowel sound. This error can undermine the credibility of your writing. Remember that it's always "an ordinary one", not "a ordinary one".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a ordinary one" functions as a descriptive element, intended to categorize something as unremarkable. However, due to the incorrect article usage, it fails to achieve this function effectively. As Ludwig AI suggests, "a ordinary one" is grammatically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a ordinary one" is grammatically incorrect; it should be "an ordinary one". This correction is crucial for maintaining credibility in writing. While the intended purpose is to describe something as typical or unexceptional, the grammatical error undermines this function. As Ludwig AI points out, the correct article is necessary for clear communication. Consider using alternatives like "a typical one" or "a common one" for clarity and accuracy. Remember to prioritize grammatical correctness to enhance the overall quality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an average one

Replaces "ordinary" with "average", indicating a typical or standard quality.

a typical one

Substitutes "ordinary" with "typical", suggesting conformity to a usual pattern or type.

a commonplace one

Uses "commonplace" instead of "ordinary", highlighting the unexceptional nature of something.

a run-of-the-mill one

Replaces "ordinary" with "run-of-the-mill", emphasizing the lack of distinction or special qualities.

a standard one

Uses "standard" to mean conforming to a norm or requirement, similar to "ordinary".

a regular one

Replaces "ordinary" with "regular", indicating something that is normal or usual.

a conventional one

Substitutes "ordinary" with "conventional", suggesting adherence to established norms or practices.

a workaday one

Uses "workaday" instead of "ordinary", suggesting something is practical and suitable for everyday use but not exceptional.

a usual one

Replaces "ordinary" with "usual", highlighting the common or expected nature of something.

a plain one

Uses "plain" to describe something simple and without any special features, similar to "ordinary".

FAQs

What's the correct way to say "a ordinary one"?

The correct phrase is "an ordinary one". The indefinite article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

When should I use "an ordinary one"?

Use "an ordinary one" when you want to describe something as typical, common, or not special in a particular context.

Are there alternatives to "an ordinary one"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "a typical one", "a common one", or "a standard one" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "an ordinary one" and "a special one"?

"An ordinary one" refers to something that is not exceptional or remarkable, while "a special one" indicates something unique or of particular significance.