The meaning of "One"

[Tommy]

"When one is confronted with a problem like this, one hardly knows what to do."

"As one approaches adulthood, choosing a career becomes critical."

"One mustn't be overly worried about what is said of them by others."

I hear/read this usage often enough and yet I'm never really sure to whom it refers. I? You? Others? Everyone? Is there any specific rule? Just a meaningless filler noun?

What should one think?

 

[wisenior]

One is the loneliest number that you'll ever do
Two can be as bad as one
It's the loneliest number since the number one

 

[CallMeKate]

I've always taken it to be nothing more than a shortened version of "someone" or "anyone." I had a dear friend who used to do that all the time... he'd say "one should [whatever]" and I always answered with "but what about the other one?"

 

[CooCooforCoCoPuffs]

Used the way you are using it, it is an impersonal pronoun.

 

[Paco Dennis]

The pronoun "one" in these sentences is used as an impersonal or indefinite pronoun, referring to people in general or a hypothetical person[1][7]. It's a formal way of speaking about a person in general, often replaceable with "you" in less formal contexts[3].

This usage of "one" typically refers to:

1. Everyone or anyone in a similar situation
2. A general or hypothetical person
3. The speaker themselves, in a more detached or formal way

It's not a meaningless filler noun, but rather a stylistic choice that can convey a sense of universality or formality[5]. However, it's worth noting that this usage is often perceived as somewhat formal or even "posh" in everyday speech[3].

In modern English, especially in less formal contexts, it's more common to use "you" as a generic pronoun instead of "one"[3]. For example:

- "When you're confronted with a problem like this, you hardly know what to do."
- "As you approach adulthood, choosing a career becomes critical."
- "You shouldn't be overly worried about what others say about you."

While grammatically correct, the use of "one" in this way can sometimes sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation[3][5].

 

[jujube]

On the other hand, you have the "royal we", as in "We are not amused!"

I dunno, Queenie......everyone else seems to think it's pretty funny.

 

[GoodEnuff]

I use the term "one" occasionally, usually to indicate the universality of the statement to follow. Using the word "one" seems less pointed at the person, less personal than "you".

As for the formality, never thought about that. Interesting.

 

[January]

I agree with goodvenough on this.

Using 'one' instead of 'you' stops the reply coming across as personal or just pertaining to that person.

 

[OldFeller]

This one stupid discussion. One ought to be careful before starting such things.
But then again, I'm sure at least one of us already realizes this.

 

[dilettante]

 

[OregonGuy]

"When one is confronted with a problem like this, one hardly knows what to do."

"As one approaches adulthood, choosing a career becomes critical."

"One mustn't be overly worried about what is said of them by others."

I hear/read this usage often enough and yet I'm never really sure to whom it refers. I? You? Others? Everyone? Is there any specific rule? Just a meaningless filler noun?

What should one think?

" a person "

 

[Tommy]

Sorry, it was incorrect for me to use the word "meaningless". Used in this manner, "one" certainly does refer to a person or group of people. It seems that the interpretation of just what person or group depends on the intent of the speaker.

In real life, that is likely obvious or at least can be clarified through further discussion. In a written document, the reference can be obscure.

FWIW, my question was prompted after reading a couple dozen of Agatha Christie's Poirot novels. She was fond of that usage.