But once

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "But once" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a condition or situation that occurs after an initial event or circumstance. Example: "But once the sun sets, the temperature drops significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But once in a while?

The New York Times

But once there, she rebelled.

The Economist

But, once again, it was a feint.

The New Yorker

But once again, he feels good afterward".

The New York Times - Sports

But, once it did — whoa, Nelly.

The New Yorker

"But once, everyone had the clothes".

The New York Times

But, once spent, that money has gone.

Independent

But once again, everything is political.

The New York Times

But, once again, let's be fair.

The New York Times

But once again, "this is business.

The Economist

But once we arrived, it made sense.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "But once", ensure the initial clause sets up a clear expectation or condition that is then altered or fulfilled by the subsequent clause.

Common error

Avoid using "But once" when the clauses are not temporally related. Make sure the second part of the sentence truly follows the first in time or logical progression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "But once" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, linking two clauses by indicating a condition and subsequent result. It presents a contrast or consequence that follows a specific event or realization, as illustrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "But once" is a versatile conjunction phrase used to connect two clauses by indicating a condition and its subsequent result. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in News & Media. It serves to establish a temporal or conditional relationship between events, signaling a shift in circumstances. While "But once" maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse writing contexts, remember to use it when a clear sequence of events is presented to ensure clarity and coherence in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

However, after

Replaces "but once" with "however, after", emphasizing the contrast and sequence of events with a slightly more formal tone.

Yet, following

Similar to "but once", but uses "yet, following" to highlight a contrast while establishing a temporal relationship.

Although, subsequently

Replaces "but once" with "although, subsequently", placing a greater emphasis on the initial condition and its effect on the subsequent event.

Still, upon

This alternative, "still, upon", retains the sense of contrast but shifts the temporal connection to indicate something happening immediately after.

Nevertheless, as soon as

Replaces "but once" with "nevertheless, as soon as", highlighting the contrast with immediacy.

Even so, after

The alternative "even so, after" is used to express that something is happening after an unexpected event.

Nonetheless, subsequent to

This alternative phrase, "nonetheless, subsequent to", is used for emphasizing a contrasting action and a chronological order.

Despite that, after

The alternative "despite that, after" is used to introduce a condition that occurs in spite of something.

Conversely, subsequent to

The alternative phrase, "conversely, subsequent to", introduces an opposite action in a chronological order.

Notwithstanding, subsequent to

The alternative phrase, "notwithstanding, subsequent to", introduces something that happens after regardless of something.

FAQs

How can I use "But once" in a sentence?

Use "But once" to introduce a condition or situation that happens after an initial event. For example, "The task seemed daunting, "but once" I started, it became manageable".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "But once"?

Similar phrases include "however after", "yet following", or "although subsequently". These phrases also introduce a result or consequence that follows a specific event or condition.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "But once"?

Starting a sentence with "But once" is grammatically acceptable, especially when you want to emphasize a change or consequence. For instance, "But once the opportunity arose, he seized it immediately".

What's the difference between "But once" and "As soon as"?

"But once" emphasizes a condition that, when met, leads to a certain outcome. "As soon as" ("as soon as") focuses on the immediacy of the action following an event. For example, "But once he understood the rules, he excelled at the game" (condition), versus "As soon as the game started, he scored" (immediacy).