one of these

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "one of these" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a group of already mentioned items or ideas. For example: "I tried all of the different recipes, but none of them worked - perhaps one of these will be successful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One of these is frankincense.

The New York Times

One of these is entropy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"One of these days," the others answered.

The New Yorker

One of these was another American, Maj.

The New Yorker

One of these was "Fathers and Sons".

The New Yorker

One of these is to set targets.

The Economist

One of these issues is money.

The New Yorker

One of these is called CD4.

The Economist

One of these was agriculture.

Forbes

One of these could be dark matter.

BBC

One of these strategies is "bad faith".

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the items or ideas to which "one of these" refers are clearly established in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "one of these" without a clear antecedent. Always ensure the reader knows what "these" refers to. For example, instead of "I have many books, one of these is rare", specify: "I have many rare books; one of these books is a first edition."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one of these" functions as a determiner phrase and a pronoun, referring to a specific item or idea within a previously mentioned group. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

24%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "one of these" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to refer to a specific item within a previously mentioned group. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While generally neutral in register, ensure clarity by establishing a clear reference for "these". Consider using more formal alternatives like "an example of this" in highly formal settings. Avoid ambiguity by always ensuring the antecedent is clearly defined. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "one of these" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one such

Replaces "of these" with "such", implying a similar example from the same category.

one of those

Substitutes "these" with "those", indicating a group more distant or less specific.

an example of this

Offers a more formal and explanatory way to introduce an item as a representation of something.

a case in point

Introduces a specific instance that supports or illustrates a broader point.

a member of this group

Specifies the belonging of an item to a defined set.

one instance of these

Focuses on the occurrence of a particular item within a set of instances.

a part of this

Highlights the item's role as a component within a larger whole.

included among these

Formally indicates the item's presence within a larger collection.

selected from these

Emphasizes the act of choosing a particular item from a range of options.

taken from these

Highlights the action of removing or deriving an item from a set.

FAQs

How do I use "one of these" in a sentence?

"One of these" refers back to a group of items previously mentioned. For example, "I have several options; "one of these" is to stay home."

What's a more formal alternative to "one of these"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "an example of this" or "one such". For example, "There are many factors, an example of this is economic instability."

Is it ever incorrect to use "one of these"?

It's incorrect if the reference is unclear. Always make sure the "these" has a defined antecedent. Avoid using it when introducing a new topic or without previously mentioning a group.

Can I use "one of these" when referring to abstract concepts?

Yes, "one of these" can refer to abstract concepts, not just physical objects. For instance, "There are many approaches to solving this problem; "one of these" is to simplify the equation."