I once rejected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I once rejected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a past decision or action where you declined or dismissed something. Example: "I once rejected the idea of moving to a new city, but now I see its potential."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Foods I once rejected, I now love.

The New York Times - Magazine

That I can still open up a little more every day and embrace what I once rejected.

The New York Times

"I am the establishment I once rejected," said Mr. Carrey in accepting his second consecutive best-actor Globe.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Yet for parts of the European left, a serious question exists about a way to move closer to the immigration themes it once rejected as reflecting bigotry.

The New York Times

BUSINESS DAY, PAGE C1 New Tack for Reform Jews Judaism's liberal Reform movement is poised to adopt guidelines on conversion that embrace traditional practices it once rejected.

The New York Times

And it is looking to have other companies handle warehousing and shipping of some products on its behalf -- something it once rejected outright.

The New York Times

Once freed from needing to feign party loyalty, I found myself receptive to ideas I had once rejected out of hand.

HuffPost

For instance I was once rejected by an agent for not having enough gardening in my work.

Huffington Post

Another example: when a book publisher once rejected me, I wrote back to her saying that I fit perfectly with her list, describing how I could publicize the book with the different branches of her own company.

TechCrunch

"My performance permit was once rejected, and I had to cancel a few shows before because of the confusion between what I do—illusion and real magic," the illusionist said, adding that it is not uncommon for him to turn down performances if he feels that he will "get bullied by the religious police".

Vice

Is it the Justice Kennedy who once rejected Attorney General John Ashcroft's literal interpretation of a federal law as "counter to the intent at the time of the regulation's promulgation"?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I once rejected" to highlight a change in perspective or a past decision that contrasts with your current stance. For example: "I once rejected the idea of remote work, but now I find it essential."

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of "I once rejected" can sound repetitive or informal in academic papers or business reports. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "I previously dismissed" or "I initially disregarded" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I once rejected" functions as a declarative statement expressing a past action of refusal or dismissal. As Ludwig AI also highlights, the phrase is correct and usable. The phrase is typically followed by the object of rejection.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I once rejected" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for describing a past refusal or dismissal, as supported by Ludwig AI. It’s most frequently found in news and media contexts and serves to highlight a change in perspective or behavior over time. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or business writing. It's important to ensure your writing doesn't overuse the phrase. Remember, related phrases such as "I previously dismissed" offer a way to express similar meanings with different wording.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I had previously refused

Replaces "rejected" with "refused" and "once" with "previously", suggesting a more assertive rejection.

I previously dismissed

Substitutes "rejected" with "dismissed" and "once" with "previously", implying a lack of consideration in the past.

I formerly disapproved of

Replaces "rejected" with a more formal synonym and "once" with "formerly".

I initially turned down

Emphasizes the initial nature of the rejection using "initially" and replaces "rejected" with the phrasal verb "turned down".

I used to decline

Replaces "rejected" with "decline" and "once" with "used to", indicating a habitual past action.

I once brushed aside

Replaces "rejected" with the phrasal verb "brushed aside", suggesting a dismissive attitude.

I earlier repudiated

Substitutes "rejected" with "repudiated" and "once" with "earlier", implying a formal disavowal.

I formerly spurned

Replaces "rejected" with "spurned" and "once" with "formerly", indicating a contemptuous rejection.

I once renounced

Replaces "rejected" with "renounced", suggesting a formal abandonment of something.

I used to scorn

Replaces "rejected" with "scorn", indicating disdain or contempt.

FAQs

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

Use "I once rejected" to describe something you previously dismissed or declined but now accept or appreciate. For example: "I once rejected classical music, but now I find it deeply moving."

What can I say instead of "I once rejected"?

You can use alternatives like "I previously dismissed", "I used to decline", or "I had previously refused" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I once rejected"?

Yes, "I once rejected" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe a past decision or viewpoint that has since changed.

What's the difference between "I once rejected" and "I now embrace"?

"I once rejected" describes a past dismissal, while "I now embrace" indicates a current acceptance or adoption of something. They represent opposing viewpoints or actions.