One vs. You

One and You•Are generic pronouns

▫They can be used when the gender is not

specific

▫Also known as indefinite or impersonal

pronouns

When to useOne You

• For the average person –

including the speaker

• In speech

• In writing

• Can be object or subject

• More formal

• Does not include the

speaker

• Conversational language

• Can be subject or object

• Less formal

ONE•One is the master of one’s future.

•When one is left to think about the future, one can become discouraged by the present.

•One should not give oneself too much credit for doing what is right.

reflexive

possessive

YOU•You are the master of your future.

•You should not give yourself too much credit for doing what is right.

•You want to turn right on Howard Street.

▫Make sure the verb agrees with the subject you.

reflexive

possessive

•When using one or you, be consistent.

•Avoid switching between one and you.

YOU

Don’t confuse…• One as an adjective which

will describe a noun

▫ I have only one try.

▫ One day she will see

Paris.

• Pronoun one▫ One should be careful

where one steps.

▫ One will take one’s clothing to the hamper after one has taken a shower.