When “one” (as a person) is the subject of a sentence, it cannot be mixed with “you”. “One” can only be matched with “one” or “one’s”.

When “you” (as a person) is the subject of a sentence, it cannot be mixed with “one”. “You” can only be matched with “you” or “your”.

SAMPLE PRACTICE QUESTIONS FOR ONE VS. YOU

        If one adopts a tiger as a pet, particularly in New York
                      (A)                                      (B)
        City, you should alert those who live in the area. No Error
                 (C)                                 (D)                                 (E)

When you see “one”, you should immediately scan the question to see whether the sentence continues to use “one” or “one’s”.

Here, choice (C) should be “one”.

        If you wish to emulate the baseball player, in even
       (A)
        the smallest way, one must be prepared to devote
                (B)                 (C)
        substantial time to practice and training. No Error
                                                                   (D)         (E)

When you see “you”, you should scan the question to see whether the sentence continues to use “you” or “your”.

Here, choice (C) violates the rule and should be “you must”.

SAT Writing: Using "One" or "You"

Lesson Includes:

—Explanation of When to Use "One" or "You"

—Sample Practice Questions

—Practice Question

SAT Math

SAT Reading

SAT Writing

SAT Vocabulary

ONE VS. YOU REVIEW QUIZ

 

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