EnglishClub ESL Forums

Can one use
a. Tom will give you a flashlight when you need it.
instead of
b. Tom will give you a flashlight when you need one.
?
Does the 'it' in (a) correspond to the 'one' in (b)? Or does it mean 'when you need Tom to do so'?


Can one use
c. Your watch will be a calculator when you need it.
instead of
d. Your watch will be a calculator when you need one.
?

Does the 'it' in (c) correspond to the 'one' in (d)? Or does it mean 'when you need it to do so'?

I think the 'it's are like the 'it' in 'I'll be there when you need it.' The sentences are correct but the 'it's don't replace 'flashlight' and 'calculator'.

Many thanks

(Not really a grammar issue, but...) No, you cannot use 'it' here to refer back to an indefinite NP.