Not once

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Not once" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something has never happened at any time. Example: "Not once did I think about giving up during the challenging project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not once?

The New York Times

"Not once?" "Not once".

The New York Times - Sports

Not once, but twice.

The New York Times

"Not once again.

The New Yorker

"Not once," he said.

The New York Times

"Not once has it stopped".

The Economist

Not once in my life".

The New Yorker

"Not once," he said, smiling.

The New Yorker

Not once did she flag.

The Guardian

Not once, but twice.

The Guardian - Sport

Not once is the word "journalist" uttered.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Not once" to create emphasis when you want to highlight that something never occurred, especially in situations where it might have been expected.

Common error

While grammatically sound, overuse of "Not once" can make your writing sound overly formal or stiff. Consider using "never" or a simpler construction in casual conversation or informal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Not once" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate frequency (or lack thereof). It emphasizes the absence of an event or action. As Ludwig AI underlines, it's grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Not once" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase that emphasizes the absence of an event or action. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely used in news and media, serving to highlight that something never occurred. While highly effective for emphasis, be mindful of the potential for overuse in informal settings. Consider alternatives like "never" or "at no time" depending on the context. "Not once" functions to underscore that something didn't happen even on a single occasion, lending weight to your statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Never

This single word offers a direct synonym for "Not once", highlighting the absence of an occurrence at any point in time.

At no time

This phrase provides a more formal alternative, stressing the lack of occurrence throughout any period.

Not ever

This is a slightly more emphatic version, reinforcing the idea of something never happening.

On no occasion

This offers a more formal and less common way to express the same absence of occurrence.

Not a single time

This alternative emphasizes the singularity and absence of even one instance.

In no instance

This is a formal alternative, highlighting the absence of any specific example or case.

Not in any case

This version underscores the lack of occurrence under any circumstances.

Not for a moment

This phrase implies a continuous absence, even for a short duration.

Not by any means

This alternative asserts that something didn't happen in any way or method.

Not in the slightest

This emphasizes a complete absence, indicating that something didn't happen even to a minimal degree.

FAQs

How can I use "Not once" in a sentence?

You can use "Not once" to emphasize that something never happened. For example, "Not once did he apologize for his mistake."

What are some alternatives to "Not once"?

Some alternatives include "never", "at no time", or "not ever", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it correct to say "Not once, ever"?

While "Not once" already implies "ever", using both together is redundant but can be done for emphasis. It is grammatically correct but may sound slightly repetitive.

What's the difference between "Not once" and "Never"?

"Never" is a direct synonym for "Not once" but "Not once" can add a stronger emphasis, especially when used at the beginning of a sentence.