One belongs to a formal, somewhat old-fashioned register with its own possessive and reflexive forms, one’s and oneself, as in one should always proofread one’s own work. Generic you dominates everyday conversation, using the ordinary your and yourself, and the two possessive systems should never be mixed in the same sentence.
Grammar Rule
One belongs to a formal, somewhat old-fashioned register with its own possessive and reflexive forms, one’s and oneself. Generic you dominates everyday conversation, using the ordinary your and yourself. Never mix the two possessive systems in the same sentence.
One and You as Impersonal Pronouns: Rules and Examples
| Pronoun | Register | Example |
|---|---|---|
| One / one’s / oneself | formal, academic | One should always proofread one’s own work. |
| You / your / yourself | informal, everyday | You should always proofread your own work. |
Remember: One is formal and consistent with one’s/oneself; generic you is informal and consistent with your/yourself — never mix the two possessive systems in the same sentence.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using one and you correctly as impersonal pronouns. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
C2-20 "One" and "You" as Impersonal Pronouns
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Frequently Asked Questions
What register does one belong to?
A formal, somewhat old-fashioned register, as in one should always proofread one’s own work.
What register does generic you belong to?
Informal, everyday conversation, as in you should always proofread your own work.
Can one and you possessives be mixed in the same sentence?
No, never mix the two possessive systems in the same sentence.
What are the possessive and reflexive forms of one?
One’s and oneself.