one of its two

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "one of its two" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to one item or element from a pair or a set of two. Example: "The committee has two proposals, and we will select one of its two for further consideration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Recent guests praise the modern Mexican cuisine served at one of its two on-site restaurants.

Huffington Post

One of its two reactors went on line in October.

The New York Times

One had shut one of its two main production lines because it had nobody to sew shirts and other garments.

The New York Times

Snag one of its two "value" rooms, located on the first floor, for $125 in the high season.

The New York Times - Travel

One of its two inaugural shows is excellent, though it would have been just as fine at 1000 Fifth Avenue.

The Guardian - Arts

Fred Van Lente, one of its two credited writers, was hired to work on the comic as early as 2001.

The New York Times - Magazine

(One of its two covers is Mr. Wonder's "I Can't Help It").

The New York Times - Arts

(One of its two Web sites is called TreeHugger.com).

The New York Times - Arts

One of its two auxiliary bishops is a Conventual Franciscan.

The New York Times

One of its two walruses, Nuka, is 30, an old-timer by walrus standards.

The New York Times

One of its two rooms is painted red, the other yellow.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one of its two" when you want to specify that an entity has exactly two options or components, and you are referring to one of them. This clarifies the limited scope of choices.

Common error

Avoid using "one of its two" when it's unclear what the two options are. Always ensure the context makes it obvious which pair you're referencing to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one of its two" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying a particular item out of a pair belonging to a previously mentioned entity. It's a way to narrow down the focus to a single selection from a defined set of two. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "one of its two" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to single out an item from a pair. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news, media and scientific writing. While versatile, maintaining clarity regarding the referenced pair is essential. Alternatives like "one of the two" offer subtle variations in emphasis. The expression's frequency and consistent application across reputable sources contribute to its reliability and widespread understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one of the two

Uses a definite article, implying a specific, known pair.

one from the pair

Emphasizes the act of choosing from a set of two.

either of the two

Highlights the possibility of selecting either option.

a single one of both

More emphatic and less common way to indicate one out of two.

one out of a pair

Explicitly states the selection from a pair.

one in a couple

Informal and slightly different phrasing.

a choice between the two

Focuses on the decision-making aspect.

any of the two

Indicates that any item from the set of two is acceptable.

one of a brace

Uses the word "brace" to refer to the pair.

selected from the duo

More formal term using "duo" to highlight that the set contains two objects.

FAQs

How can I use "one of its two" in a sentence?

Use "one of its two" to indicate that something possesses exactly two components or options and you are referring to one of them. For instance, "The company decided to focus on "one of its two" main product lines".

What are some alternatives to using "one of its two"?

Alternatives include phrases like "one of the two", "either of the two", or "one from the pair", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "one of its two"?

The phrase "one of its two" is grammatically correct, but avoid using it in situations where the 'two' items are not clearly defined or understood within the context. Clarity is key.

What's the difference between "one of its two" and "one of the two"?

"One of its two" implies that the entity in question possesses two specific items or options. "One of the two" suggests that there are two known items within a broader context.