Once

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Once" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a single occurrence or to refer to a time in the past when something happened. Example: "Once I finished my homework, I went out to play."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Once bitten, twice shy".

The New York Times

One former Alton Towers employee explained that the Smiler could have up to five cars moving around the track at once and a "block system" run by sensors prevented two cars entering specific sections at the same time.

The Guardian

"I was amazed to find that I slept that night without waking up once, and I can't remember the last time that happened.

The Guardian

Teddy Roosevelt once observed that life's greatest gift is the opportunity to work hard at work worth doing.

The Guardian

Once again it shows how voluntary action can show the way, proving that a low-carbon future is an essential, achievable and urgent priority.

The Guardian

Once all polling stations have closed this restriction will be lifted.

The Guardian - Opinion

But once banks get a customer he's pretty much theirs for good.

The Economist

In the days that I followed Jones around, I heard several people who ran training programs in green professions complain that once their students had graduated they couldn't find work.

The Economist

My look was described as "All Saints mum" once.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I once joined a shopping trip in pursuit of some of this stuff.

The Guardian - Opinion

He noted "that once hollowed-out city centres are thriving again, with growing universities, iconic museums and cultural events, and with huge improvements to the quality of life".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Once" to clearly establish a sequence of events where the completion of the first event is a prerequisite for the second. For example, "Once you submit the application, you will receive a confirmation email."

Common error

Avoid using "Once" when you mean "one time" or "formerly" if the sentence structure implies a sequential or conditional relationship. For example, instead of saying "Once I went to Paris", say "I once went to Paris".

Linguistic Context

"Once" primarily functions as a conjunction, linking two clauses to indicate that one action must be completed before another can begin. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage as a temporal or conditional connector. Examples show it setting up a condition or sequence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Once" is a versatile word primarily functioning as a conjunction to indicate a temporal or conditional relationship between two events. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media. While it can also function as an adverb meaning "one time", its conjunctive use is most prominent. Pay attention to context to avoid misusing "Once" in non-temporal settings. Utilizing "Once" correctly allows for creating sentences that establish a clear sequence of actions or dependencies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

As soon as

Indicates immediacy and direct succession, similar to "Once" when used as a conjunction.

When

A more general temporal conjunction, broader than "Once" which implies a completed action.

After

Emphasizes the sequence of events, placing focus on what follows the initial action.

Following

More formal than "Once", suitable for describing procedures or structured events.

Upon

A more literary and formal alternative, indicating the moment something happens.

Subsequent to

Highly formal, emphasizing a clear temporal sequence particularly in official contexts.

In the event that

Highlights the conditional aspect, focusing on possible outcomes after an event.

As

Can indicate simultaneity or causality depending on context, more versatile than "Once".

Afterward

Adverbial form focusing on the result of something happening before.

Previously

Referring to something that happened at an earlier time.

FAQs

How can I use "Once" as a conjunction in a sentence?

"Once" can connect two clauses where the action in the first clause must be completed before the action in the second clause can begin. For example, "Once you understand the rules, you can play the game effectively."

What are some alternatives to using "Once" to indicate time?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "as soon as", "when", or "after" to convey a similar meaning. Each of these has a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to use "Once" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to start a sentence with "Once" when using it as a conjunction to introduce a dependent clause. For example, "Once the rain stops, we can go for a walk."

What's the difference between "Once" and "One time"?

"Once" as an adverb means a single time, similar to "one time". For instance, "I visited Rome "once"". In contrast, "Once" as a conjunction introduces a condition or a point in time after which something else happens, like "Once you finish, we can leave".