Substitution

1. Substitution.

In these examples the words in blue substitute for the words in bold:

I'd like a coffee. Would you like a coffee?
I'd like a coffee. Would you like one?

"Did you watch the news?"
"Yes, I watched the news."
Did you watch the news? Yes, I did.

"Do you think it will rain?"
"No, I don't think it will rain."
Do you think it will rain? No, I don't think so.

In these sentences, what is the meaning of the word in bold?

2. Substitution.

Substitute the words in bold with one word.

For example:

One Andrew Marshall is a journalist and another Andrew Marshall writes comedies.
One Andrew Marshall is a journalist and another one writes comedies.

For more information about substitution see the Grammar Reference.

3. Noun substitution: one/ones.

This mini-amplifier attaches quickly … Get one now and you’ll never have to say “Speak up!” again!

Here one means a mini-amplifier.

Change the word or words in the boxes to a substitute word.

4. Substitution vs. reference.

Compare:

1. I liked the Volvo, so I bought one.
2. I liked the Volvo, so I bought it.

In sentence 1, one means a car (of the type Volvo). One substitutes for a Volvo.
In sentence 2, it means that particular Volvo. It refers to the Volvo.

Complete these sentences by choosing the correct word.