Ones or One’s or Ones’? (Correct Possessive Explained)

“One” is a funny word and not one that you’ll often come across in the possessive form. However, there is still a set of rules we need to follow, as you might one day find a good use for the possessive form. This article will explore those rules.

Ones or One’s or Ones’: Which Is The Correct Possessive Form?

The correct possessive form of “one” is “one’s.” We use it when writing “one” as a pronoun (which is rare but doable). There are no cases where “ones'” is correct because this would be the plural possessive, and we can’t use pronouns in the plural form.

Let’s look a little closer at all the relevant forms of “one.”

Singular	One
Plural	Ones
Singular possessive	One’s
Plural possessive	Doesn’t exist

The singular and plural forms make sense. When talking about “one” as a number or a series or group of “ones,” we can use it in this way.

The singular possessive only applies when talking about the pronoun “one” (which is a very formal way of saying “you” or “I” depending on the context).

We can’t use the plural possessive form because “one” is a singular pronoun no matter who is being addressed. There is no way we can turn it into the plural form.

Ones

“Ones” is the easiest to understand because it is the plural form.

“Ones” works when there are multiple things that we talk about as “one.” This can be used to ask about a list of things.

There is no possession or possessive form involved when we use “ones.” The plural form simply shows that there’s more than “one” instance of something.

1. Where are the ones that I asked for?
2. These ones are going to be the ones for me.
3. Which ones did you say you wanted again?
4. The ones that I have my eyes on cannot be taken away from me!
5. His favorite ones are anything on this lower shelf.
6. The ones you showed me yesterday took my eye.

“Ones” is a way to describe a group of things without specifying what they are.

One’s

“One’s” is not a common possessive form, but that doesn’t mean it’s not correct. When using “one” as a pronoun, we can include the possessive form if “one” owns something in the sentence.

The pronoun itself is old-fashioned and rarely used. The only modern instances you might hear it are in Received Pronunciation (as spoken by the British Royal Family).

“One” works to address a singular person or a group of people and can work to mean “you” or “I,” depending on the context we use it.

Here are some examples to demonstrate:

1. No matter what one’s beliefs, there is no way you can think this is the right thing to do.
2. One’s personal opinions must not cloud their judgment.
3. One’s desire to do better is highly sought after, and one must be congratulated for it.
4. This is the home of one’s treasure, though we cannot speak to how one might react if they find us here.
5. One’s deepest secrets might be revealed if one is not careful.
6. One’s time to shine has finally arrived!

“One” works as a pronoun similar to “you” and “I.” However, we rarely use it in spoken or written English. Still, it comes with a possessive form that is correct should we need it.

There are certain situations where “One” might be a name (though this will most likely only occur in fictional or creative writing). Still, in this case, “One” can be treated in the same way, where “One’s” is the correct possessive form.

Ones’

Now we get to the plural possessive form. Unfortunately, there are no cases where we might use the plural possessive in any way.

The only time where the plural form “ones” is used is when we’re talking about an unspecified number of things or a group of objects. We never use “ones” as a pronoun, meaning there is no way for it to be possessive in nature. For this reason, “ones'” is never correct.

We must remember not to include this in any writing and stick only to the singular possessive.

It would be the same as changing “you” to “yous,” which isn’t something we can do, as there is no plural written form of you (“you” in the plural is still “you,” just like “one” is).

• Correct: One’s personal opinions have gotten in the way of their dreams.
• Incorrect: Ones’ desires must not be presented here.
• Correct: One’s time has come, and one must take their chance.
• Incorrect: Ones’ own mother is arriving shortly.
• Correct: One’s darling daughter will be here any moment.
• Incorrect: Ones’ foolish behavior must not dictate what one does in the future.

Remember, you cannot change the form of “one” as a pronoun, so “one’s” is the only correct possessive form in this manner.

Quiz: Have You Mastered Ones Or One’s Or Ones’?

Finally, we thought a quiz might help you to understand the rules better. If you’ve paid close attention, you’ll have an easy time working out the answer for each of the following.

7. Which (A. ones / B. one’s / C. ones’) are you going to buy?
8. These (A. ones / B. one’s / C. ones’) are going to make for a fine addition to my collection.
9. (A. ones / B. one’s / C. ones’) beliefs must not get in the way of what is right for the country.
10. (A. ones / B. one’s / C. ones’) home is where one finds the most salvation in (A. ones / B. one’s / C. ones’) darkest times.
11. (A. ones / B. one’s / C. ones’) back must be covered by (A. ones / B. one’s / C. ones’) best friend, always.

Quiz answers

12. A
13. A
14. B
15. B / B
16. B / B

Final Thoughts

“One’s” is the only correct possessive form for “one.” We can only ever write “one” in the possessive form as a pronoun, which means we can’t change it from singular to plural. There are no cases where “ones'” is the correct form, so it can be disregarded.

You may also like: Teachers or Teacher’s or Teachers’? (Correct Possessive Explained)