Would it be okay to simply omit "one" and say "Well now, how about this" instead?

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

It would be okay if you did say it, but it wouldn't be as clear. When talking about a group of one specific object, like dresses, saying "this one", makes it clear which item in that category you are talking about. Whereas "How about this?" is usually used with different objects and not necessarily one group of objects. Ex: Come and look at the plants they have! How about we get this one? => group of plants Ex: What should I wear? How about this? => Could be any item of clothing Ex: How about we do this today? => Could be any activity Ex: Wow, puppies! This one looks so cute!! => group of puppies

How do native speakers use this expression?

Share this post

Popular Q&As

06/17

1
What's "caught up" mean?
To be "caught up" in something means to be involved in a situation involuntarily. It can also mean giving too much of your attention to something, or it can mean that you've shared recent updates with someone and "caught them up" with what's going on. Ex: I caught up with Jane this weekend over coffee. Ex: I got so caught up in the situation that I forgot to ask how you were doing. Ex: Don't get caught up in any drama.

2
Does "look" have a meaning of asking for agreement in this case?
Actually "look" is being used as an exclamation here. Specifically, when we use "look" in this way, it is to call attention to what the speaker is going to say. So he wants her to pay attention to the fact that he doesn't want to fight or hurt her. Ex: Look, you need to pay attention. Ex: Look, I don't think this relationship is going to work.

3
What's this line mean?
This line means that this person who he now loves is more than someone to just tell his secrets to. If it were a short-term or less serious relationship, one might end up sharing secrets and being vulnerable, but he wants to do more than just that with her. Ex: I want someone not just to tell my secrets to. I want a deeper relationship than that. Ex: I found an outfit that I can wear not just for the wedding, but also for the party next month.

4
Why did she put "the" between "after" and "you"?
Ah! This is a character trait or "quirk." A "quirk" is a peculiar habit. If you look at some other parts of the clip, she uses "the" before quite a few nouns that don't require articles within the context. Such as "kindness," which is an abstract noun here. It's not grammatically correct, but the purpose is to make the character fun! Ex: After you! => grammatically correct Ex: I will tie them to a chair in the basement with kindness. => grammatically correct = I will tie them to a chair in the basement with the kindness. => grammatically incorrect

5
Why would he say "but" in this context? What does it mean?
So, here, the phrase "but one" means "only one"! However, usually, this phrase means "except for" one or whatever amount. Here it's also been used for dramatic effect. Ex: There are but two activities we haven't done yet. = We've done all the activities except for two so far. = There are only two activities we haven't done yet. Ex: There is but one thing I'd like to say to you... => just one thing to say

Complete the expression with a quiz!