I once shared

USAGE SUMMARY

"I once shared" is a perfectly valid and correct sentence in written English.
You can use it to refer to a time in the past when you shared something with someone else. For example, "I once shared a cab with a stranger who turned out to be an old friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

As a Peruvian who lived in Lima during the 1990s, I once shared that sentiment.

The New York Times

Harrison and I once shared memories of attending opera performances in San Francisco's Chinatown as youngsters.

The New York Times - Arts

I once shared this quotation with a class of seventh graders, and it didn't seem to require any explanation.

The New York Times

I cannot quite believe that she really existed, much less that I once shared a desk with her.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She and I once shared a tent for 52 days while guiding an Outward Bound course in Alaska.

The New York Times - Travel

I once shared the typical old European condescension toward America; thanks to these students, I now have unmitigated admiration and affection for American values.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Vietnam claims sovereignty over the islands, whose territory it once shared with China.

The New York Times

At some point in time, however, I found myself missing the social activities I had once shared with my husband, and the possibility of meeting someone new and being part of a couple again seemed appealing.

Huffington Post

Mackenzie's final take on idealism, once he's back in Scotland, is a melancholy if persuasive one: "I was reminded of the blithely baseless certainty I had once shared.

The New York Times - Books

However, in the three years I've used it I've never once shared a run.

TechCrunch

After getting my supplies, we break for a while, and I call to check in with him, ask how things are going on his end something I hope I'd consider even if my Human Uber and I hadn't once shared a womb.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "I once shared" with specific details to make your statement more vivid and impactful, clearly stating what you shared and with whom.

Common error

Avoid using "I once shared" to describe something you currently share. This phrase refers specifically to a past experience, so ensure the context reflects a past situation that is no longer ongoing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I once shared" primarily functions as an introductory clause or phrase in a sentence, setting the stage for a personal anecdote or a recollection of a past experience. It indicates a past action of sharing something with someone or something, framing the subsequent information with a personal connection. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I once shared" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to introduce a past experience of sharing. It serves to establish a personal connection and is frequently found in News & Media sources, as noted by Ludwig. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates a past situation. Alternatives include "I used to share" or "I previously shared", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The phrase is versatile and can enrich your writing by adding personal anecdotes and relatable experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I used to share

Focuses on a past habit or repeated action of sharing, rather than a single instance.

I previously shared

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of having shared something before.

I formerly shared

Highlights that the sharing occurred at an earlier time.

I at one time shared

More emphatic way to express that something was shared in the past.

I had shared in the past

More detailed specifying of that something was shared in the past.

I shared before

More concise, direct way to say that something was shared at an earlier time.

I have shared in the past

More verbose specification in the past.

I had formerly shared

Similar to "I formerly shared" but slightly more emphatic.

I once possessed in common

More formal and less common way of expressing a shared experience.

I had once participated in

Shifts the focus to participation in an activity rather than directly sharing something.

FAQs

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

Use "I once shared" to describe a past experience where you had something in common with someone or participated in a shared activity. For example, "I once shared a taxi with a famous actor" or "I once shared an office with her".

What phrases are similar to "I once shared"?

Similar phrases include "I used to share", "I previously shared", or "I formerly shared". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey about the past experience.

Is it correct to say "I once share" instead of "I once shared"?

No, "I once share" is grammatically incorrect. The word "once" indicates a past event, so the verb must be in the past tense. The correct form is "I once shared".

What's the difference between "I once shared" and "I shared"?

"I once shared" emphasizes that the sharing happened at a specific point in the past, implying it's a memorable or unique occurrence. "I shared" is a more general statement about sharing that occurred at some unspecified time in the past.