How to Use ‘One of’ Correctly in English (And the One Common Exception)

 

The phrase “one of” looks simple, but it often confuses English learners. Many students know the basic rule, yet they still feel unsure when they see sentences like “one of the few.” This post clears up the confusion and shows when ‘one of’ must be followed by a plural noun—and when it doesn’t.

The General Rule (This Covers 90% of Cases)

One of + plural noun

We usually use “one of” to mean one person or thing from a group.

Examples:

• one of the students

• one of my friends

• one of those mistakes

✔ This is the safest and most common structure.

One of the + Superlative + Plural Noun

When we are ranking or evaluating, we add a superlative.

Structure:
one of the + superlative + plural noun

Examples:

• one of the best teachers

• one of the finest actors

• one of the most difficult exams

One of the + adjective (adjective acting as a noun)

Structure:
one of the + adjective

Examples:

• one of the few

• one of the best

• one of the lucky

• one of the chosen

⚠️ Only certain adjectives work like this.

✅ Use it ONLY with these common, accepted forms:

• one of the few

• one of the best

• one of the lucky

• one of the chosen

• one of the only (sometimes)

Correct examples:

• She is one of the few who noticed the mistake.

• I’m one of the lucky to get this opportunity.

• He was one of the chosen for the final round.

• This is one of the best I’ve seen.