Gender in relation to animals, things and countries

Animals are usually referred to with it as if they were things [> 4.5.5]. We only use he, she, who, etc. when there is a reason for doing so. For example, animals may be 'personalized' as pets, as farm animals, or in folk tales, and referred to as male or female:

What kind of dog is Spot? He'sa mongrel. Other 'lower animals' and insects are only referred to as he, she, etc. when we describe their biological roles:

The cuckoolays hereggs in other birds' nests or, sometimes, when we regard their activities with interest:

Look at that frog!Look at the way hejumps! Ships, cars, motorbikes and other machines are sometimes referred to as if they were feminine when the reference is affectionate:

My cars not fast, but shedoes 50 miles to the gallon Countries can also be 'personified' as feminine: e.g.

In 1941 Americaassumed herrole as a world power

'One'

4.9 General statements with 'one' and 'you'

One, used as an indefinite pronoun meaning 'everyone/anyone' [> 4.37], is sometimes used (formally) in general statements:

World trade is improving, but onecannot expect miracles In everyday speech, the informal you is preferred:

Can youbuy refrigerators in Lapland? (= Can anyone ...?) One may be used to replace /, but this tends to sound pompous:

One likes to have one'sbreakfast in bed now and again. One can be linked with one's, just as you can be linked with your-However, constructions with one, one's and oneself are often awkward because of the repetition of one-Oneshould do one'sbest at all times (For: You should do yourbest at all times ) Oneshouldn 't be too hard on oneself(For: You shouldn't be too hard on yourself) InAmE one's/oneself can be replaced by his/her, himself/herself-Oneshould give himself/herselfa holiday from time to time For the use of the passive in place of one [> 12.4.3].

'One'

4.10 'One' as a 'prop word' after a determiner[compare > 4.16, 5.30]
One and ones are frequently used as substitution words after a
determiner (that one, etc). One(s) is sometimes called a prop word
because it 'supports' the meaning of the noun it replaces. One is used
to replace a countable noun in the singular and ones to replace a
plural countable. One and ones can refer to people or things and we
use them when we wish to avoid repeating a noun:

Things: Have you seen this dictionary? (singular countable)

- Is that the onethat was published recently? People: Have you met our German neighbours?(plural countable)

- Are they the oneswho moved here recently?

We cannot use one when referring to an uncountable noun: Don't use powdered milkUse this fresh (milk)(Not *one*)

One and ones as prop words are most commonly used when we are identifying people and things, particularly after Which?, this/that, and adjectives [compare > 6.6]. One and ones are optional after Which?, after this/that and after superlatives. Ones can be used after these' those, though it is usually avoided:

Which (one) would you like? - This (one)or that (one)?

Which (ones) would you like? - These (ones) or those (ones)?

Which (one/ones) do you want? - The cheapest (one/ones)

We normally use one/ones after the positive form of adjectives: Which (one/ones) do you want? - The large one/ones

After colour adjectives, one and ones may be omitted in answers: Which (one/ones) do you want? - I'll have the red (one/ones)

In statements, requests, etc. one and ones must be used after

this/that/these/those + adjective:

/'// try on a few of these shirts Please pass me that white one

One and ones can be used in specific references after the definite article (the one/the ones), demonstratives (this one) or with defining phrases (the one/ones with pink ribbons) to identify or to indicate the location of people and things:

Which woman do you mean? - The one in the green dress Which boysrang the doorbell? - The ones in the street Which shirt(s)do you want? - The one(s) in the window

4.11 Reference to two: 'the one...the other'

We can refer to two people or things (or to two groups) through the following combinations: (the) one the other, the first the second, or more formally, the former the latter

You shouldn 't get Botticelli and Bocchenni mixed up

(The) one the other

The first is a painter and the secondis a composer