Understanding the Grammar of 'one' in the Sentence
The sentence "He is one of the tallest boys in his class" describes a specific boy's height relative to his classmates. We need to determine the grammatical function of the word 'one' within this sentence.
Analyzing the Word 'one'
'One' in this context specifies a quantity or number. It points to a single individual within the group of 'tallest boys'. Understanding its role requires looking at the definitions of the provided options.
Evaluating the Options
Let's examine each option:
- Possessive Pronoun: These pronouns show ownership (e.g., 'mine', 'yours', 'his', 'hers', 'its', 'ours', 'theirs'). 'One' does not indicate possession in this sentence.
- Noun: A noun is a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea. While 'one' can sometimes act as a noun (e.g., "He is number one"), here it serves to describe or quantify something else.
- Reflexive Pronoun: These pronouns refer back to the subject of the sentence (e.g., 'myself', 'yourself', 'himself'). 'One' does not reflect back on the subject 'He'.
- Numeral Adjective: This category includes adjectives that express numbers. They can be cardinal (like 'one', 'two', 'three') indicating quantity, or ordinal (like 'first', 'second', 'third') indicating order.
Determining the Correct Classification
In the sentence "He is one of the tallest boys in his class":
- The word 'one' specifies the number (quantity) related to the noun phrase 'tallest boys'.
- It functions similarly to other cardinal numbers when used adjectivally, like in "Give me one apple".
- Although it appears after the verb 'is', it modifies the concept of 'boys' by indicating a count within the superlative description ('tallest').
- Therefore, 'one' acts as a Numeral Adjective because it denotes number.
It specifies quantity and modifies the noun (or noun phrase) 'boys'.
Similar Questions
Directions : Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists :
List I
(Parts of Speech)List II
(Word)A. Noun 1. Dually B. Verb 2. Duplication C. Adverb 3. Duplicate D. Adjective 4. Duple
Code:
A B C DThe manager expects every employee to do his duty.
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His only answer was a grunt.
I didn't tell him anything except that I needed the money.
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- The mighty river Brahmaputra flows through the plains of Assam.
The money which one earns is not the money for himself, it is for the family and society.
The Principal said, "We should always be disciplined."
Important Questions from Parts of Speech
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Itis eleven O'clock now and all of us should retire to bed.
