Micro-listening
One of the Examples Is: Choosing Verbs
How do you choose verbs after 'one of the'?
'One of the' takes a singular main verb, although the noun after 'of' is plural. For example, 'One of the lamps needs replacing.' In a relative clause, use a plural verb when the clause describes the group, but use a singular verb after 'the only one'.
Key points
- The grammatical subject is 'one', not the group noun.
- Keep the count noun plural after 'of'.
- Use singular verbs such as 'is', 'was', and 'has'.
- Relative clauses may describe the group or the single item.
Try what you have learned
Listen to a recording, type what you hear, and check your answer.
Speaking Beta. Membership required for voice feedback.
At a glance
| Form | Use it for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| one of the + plural noun | Describes one item from a larger group. | One of the lamps needs replacing. |
| the whole plural group | Describes all the items together. | The lamps need replacing. |
| one of the ... that | The relative clause describes the plural group. | One of the plans that work is approved. |
| the only one of ... that | The relative clause describes one unique item. | The only one of the switches that works is approved. |
The full explanation
The phrase one of the examples means one single item taken from a collection of examples. The noun after of must stay plural because you cannot take one item from a single thing. Even though the collection has many parts, your sentence makes a statement about only one member of that set.
One of the printers in the office is out of paper.
Why it works: The subject is one, so the verb is the singular is, even though printers is plural.
3 more examples
-
One of my coworkers has submitted the project files.
Has agrees with one coworker, while coworkers names the group.
-
One of the packages that arrived today belongs to Sarah.
The relative clause describes the packages that arrived, but belongs agrees with one.
-
The only one of the laptops that is working is on the desk.
Because of the phrase the only one, the relative clause verb is singular.
Read the full guide
Try the listening exercise
Identify the True Subject Before Choosing the Verb
When you read or write a sentence beginning with one of the, your eyes naturally land on the plural noun standing immediately before the verb. That plural noun belongs to a prepositional phrase, which describes the collection rather than the actor. The real subject is the word one at the start of the clause. Because one represents a single unit, you must select a singular verb to match it.
-
One of the files is missing from the folder.
Why it works: The subject is one, so the verb is is, not are.
-
One of our clients has called about the invoice.
Why it works: Has agrees with one client, while clients shows the larger group.
Your turn
Which word is the grammatical subject in the sentence: One of the managers has approved the budget?
Answer: One
Show the answer
Answer: One
The grammatical subject is One. The phrase of the managers simply clarifies which group that individual belongs to.
Select Singular Present Verbs for Everyday Statements
In present tense statements, singular verbs usually end with the letter s, while plural verbs do not. When working with one of the, choose forms like is, has, or works instead of are, have, or work. Learners often make errors here because their ears hear the plural noun right before the verb gap and tempt them to choose a plural form. Always check back to the word one before you speak or write.
-
One of the copy machines needs new toner.
Why it works: Needs has the third-person singular s ending to agree with one.
-
One of my colleagues lives near the train station.
Why it works: Lives is singular because one person lives there.
You can practise this again in Third conditional: explanation and examples and Choosing an evening course.
Your turn
Choose the correct verb: One of the elevators ___ maintenance today.
Answer: needs
Show the answer
Answer: needs
Use needs with the singular subject one. Elevators is plural, but it sits inside a prepositional phrase.
Keep the Group Noun Plural After the Preposition
While your verb must remain singular, the noun immediately following the preposition of must always be plural. The logic of the phrase requires a pool of items from which you take a single member. Saying one of the student is incorrect because you cannot draw an individual from a set that contains only one person. Always ensure the noun has a plural ending before pairing it with a singular verb.
-
One of the participants asked an interesting question.
Why it works: Participants is plural because the audience has multiple people.
-
One of the keys unlocks the storage closet.
Why it works: Keys is plural to represent the complete set on the key ring.
Your turn
Which sentence uses the correct noun form after the preposition?
Answer: One of the windows was left open overnight.
Show the answer
Answer: One of the windows was left open overnight.
The noun after of must be plural (windows) to represent the group, and the verb must be singular (was) to match one.
Distinguish Between One Selected Item and the Entire Group
To understand verb choice clearly, contrast a sentence about one member with a sentence about the whole group. When you discuss all members together, the plural noun serves as the direct subject and demands a plural verb. When you introduce one of the, the focus narrows down to a single element. Changing between these two structures completely alters the verb agreement, so you must decide whether your sentence describes one unit or all units.
-
The reports are ready for the executive meeting.
Why it works: The plural noun reports is the subject, requiring the plural verb are.
-
One of the reports is ready for the executive meeting.
Why it works: One report is ready, so the sentence requires the singular verb is.
Your turn
Which sentence indicates that only a single document has an error?
Answer: One of the contracts has a serious calculation error.
Show the answer
Answer: One of the contracts has a serious calculation error.
One of the contracts has focuses specifically on a single contract out of the collection.
Apply Singular Forms in Past and Perfect Tenses
Subject agreement remains active when you speak about past events or completed actions. In the simple past, regular verbs keep the same spelling for singular and plural subjects, but the verb be changes between was and were. In the present perfect, you must choose between has and have. With one of the, always pick was and has because the subject remains the singular pronoun one.
-
One of the delivery drivers was delayed by heavy traffic.
Why it works: Was delayed agrees with one driver in the past tense.
-
One of the servers has crashed twice this week.
Why it works: Has crashed agrees with one server in the present perfect tense.
Your turn
Complete the sentence correctly: One of the packages ___ delivered to the wrong address yesterday.
Answer: was
Show the answer
Answer: was
In the past tense, use was because the grammatical subject is one, not packages.
Recognize the Reduced Preposition in Connected Speech
Native speakers rarely pronounce the word of with a strong vowel in spontaneous conversation. Instead, of weakens to a quick schwa sound followed by a soft v, sounding like /əv/. Before consonants, the v sound may even disappear almost entirely, leaving a short /ə/. Because the preposition is unstressed and spoken quickly, you should train your ear to catch the stressed number one at the start of the phrase.
-
One of our guests left an umbrella in the lobby.
Why it works: In natural speech, of our links smoothly as /wʌn əv aʊər/.
-
One of the doors is locked from the outside.
Why it works: The phrase one of the sounds like /wʌn əv ðə/, with stress on one and doors.
Your turn
How does the preposition of usually sound in natural, rapid speech before the word the?
Answer: It reduces to a short, unstressed sound like /əv/.
Show the answer
Answer: It reduces to a short, unstressed sound like /əv/.
In connected speech, of weakens to an unstressed schwa sound (/əv/) so speakers can emphasize key content words.
Separate the Relative Clause from the Main Sentence
Sentences become more complex when a relative clause introduced by that, which, or who follows the plural noun. In standard English, the relative pronoun refers to the plural noun directly preceding it. Consequently, the verb inside the relative clause must be plural to describe the entire group. At the same time, the main verb outside that clause continues to agree with one, creating two different verb forms in a single sentence.
-
One of the proposals that were submitted looks very promising.
Why it works: Were agrees with proposals inside the clause, while looks agrees with one.
-
She is one of the doctors who work at the regional clinic.
Why it works: Work is plural because who refers to doctors, not an individual.
Your turn
Which verb correctly fills the relative clause: This is one of the policies that ___ employee safety.
Answer: protect
Show the answer
Answer: protect
The relative pronoun that describes policies, so the verb inside that clause takes the plural form protect.
Spot the Shift When Using the Only One
When speakers add the word only in front of one, the grammatical logic changes completely. The phrase the only one emphasizes that a single unique item possesses the quality, while the rest of the group does not. Because the relative clause now points directly to that solitary item, the verb inside the relative clause must be singular. Compare one of the items that work with the only one of the items that works.
-
He is the only one of our employees who speaks Japanese.
Why it works: Speaks is singular because the only one specifies a single person.
-
This is the only one of the printers that functions properly.
Why it works: Functions is singular because only one printer operates correctly.
Your turn
Choose the correct verb for this sentence: This is the only one of the laptops that ___ charged.
Answer: is
Show the answer
Answer: is
Because the phrase includes the only one, the relative clause describes that single item and takes the singular verb is.
Common mistakes
What learners often say, what to say instead, and why.
-
Not this:
One of the applicant has replied.Say: One of the applicants has replied.
The noun after 'of' must be plural because it names the larger group.
-
Not this:
One of the machines need attention.Say: One of the machines needs attention.
The subject is 'one', so the main verb must be singular.
-
Not this:
One of the policies that protects staff is new.Say: One of the policies that protect staff is new.
The relative clause describes the plural policies, while 'is' agrees with 'one'.
-
Not this:
The only one of the switches that work is red.Say: The only one of the switches that works is red.
'The only one' makes the relative-clause subject singular.
Before you go
Remember this
Remember that one is the grammatical subject of the main clause, requiring is, was, or has. Keep the group noun plural after of. When a relative clause describes the plural set, use a plural verb inside that clause, unless the phrase the only one specifies a single item.
Follow MicroEnglish
New lessons, short videos and quick quizzes every day. Pick the app you already use.
Listen first
Listen and write
Listen, type what you hear, then choose Check my answer. Use a hint when you get stuck.
Your session
Start a 15-minute session 15 min
Watch a short part, answer one question, practise what you heard, then check in with the tutor.
The first part is free. Members continue to part 2 and can ask for more.
0 of 4 done
Listening 1 of 4
Listen, then type what you hear. Replay as often as you need.
0:00
Read the transcript
One of the options is ready.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- A small word like this is said quickly and softly, not as written.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- A small word like this is said quickly and softly, not as written.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- A small word like this is said quickly and softly, not as written.
Listening 2 of 4
Listen, then type what you hear. Replay as often as you need.
0:00
Read the transcript
One of the drivers is outside now.
The verb is matches the singular pronoun One. Drivers remains plural to show that several drivers exist.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- A small word like this is said quickly and softly, not as written.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- A small word like this is said quickly and softly, not as written.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- A small word like this is said quickly and softly, not as written.
Try a longer clip. Listen once, then replay the part you missed.
Listening 3 of 4
Listen, then type what you hear. Replay as often as you need.
0:00
Read the transcript
One of the color printers is operating slowly this morning. Maria called a repair person because our team has three jobs to finish.
Even though color printers is plural, the main subject is One, requiring the singular verb is.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
This clip is longer. Follow the instruction above the answer field.
Listening 4 of 4
Listen, then type the missing words. The rest of the text is already there.
0:00
Read the transcript
One of the new digital catalogs is online today. Several members asked about audiobooks, so our staff added ten audio files yesterday. Each file includes clear instructions for home study. Visitors can download every chapter easily, and anyone who needs help can ask a librarian near our front entrance.
The opening clause pairs One of the new digital catalogs with the singular verb is. Later verbs agree with their respective subjects.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
Practice complete
You listened closely.
Your result is saved in this browser.
Keep your progress. Your practice is saved on this device only. Create a free account to keep it everywhere.
Create a free accountThat was today's free lesson. Tomorrow you get another one. Want more today? See membership.
Create a free SubLearn account to keep this progress across devices.
Save my progressYour turn
Say it your way
Describe a situation at your workplace or school where several options exist, but one of the options is better than the rest. Explain why you prefer that single choice.
Use: one of the Examples Is: Choosing Verbs
You could start with “One of the options on our list is clearly more practical because…”
Think for ten seconds, then answer out loud for as long as the task above asks, without looking at the lesson. Nothing is sent unless you ask for feedback.
Shadow
Say it along with the speaker
One of the options is ready.
Play the line slowly, then speak at the same time as the speaker. Copy the rhythm, not just the words.
Write
Put it in your own words
- I used “one of the Examples Is: Choosing Verbs”.
- It is about my life, not the lesson’s example.
- I read it once aloud to check it sounds right.
Test yourself
Listening tests are included with membership. Try the free dictation first, then decide whether to continue.
Listening 1 of 2 Part of membership
Listening 2 of 2 Part of membership
Write your own response
Choose a situation and write 30–50 words in your own wording. This is separate from typing the exact words in a recording.
Check your own writing
Read one possible response
Use these checks to revise your message. Grammar and meaning are not automatically graded. Each task keeps its own draft in this browser tab.
Questions about "One of the Examples Is: Choosing Verbs"
Why do we use is instead of are after one of the examples?
The grammatical subject of the sentence is the word one, which refers to a single individual thing. The phrase of the examples is a prepositional phrase that describes the group from which that single item comes. Because verbs agree with their grammatical subjects rather than nearby prepositional nouns, you must use a singular verb like is, was, or has.
One of the examples is clear.
One of the examples was missing from the board.
Can I say one of the example instead of one of the examples?
No, you must keep the noun plural after one of the. The preposition of indicates selection from a larger set. You cannot select one item from a group if the group only contains one item. Therefore, standard English always requires a plural count noun in this pattern.
One of the students has finished early.
One of the cars is parked outside.
How do I choose the verb in one of the books that are or is?
Look at what the clause that describes. In one of the books that are popular, the relative clause describes the books in general, so that refers to books and takes the plural verb are. The main sentence verb still agrees with one, as in one of the books that are popular is on my desk.
One of the books that are popular is on my desk.
She is one of the doctors who work at the clinic.
Why does the only one of change the verb in a relative clause?
The phrase the only one highlights a single unique item rather than the plural group. In the only one of the books that is missing, the relative clause describes that single unique book. Because the focus shifts entirely to the singular item, the verb inside the relative clause becomes singular.
He is the only one of the applicants who meets every requirement.
This is the only one of the boxes that is damaged.
Questions & comments
Ask about this lesson, share an example, or help another learner.
