a once and future

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a once and future" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to something that has existed in the past and is expected to return or re-emerge in the future, commonly in literary or historical contexts. Example: "The legend of King Arthur is often described as that of a once and future king, destined to return in times of need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

I am a once and future TriBeCa resident.

The New York Times

Mitchell's Bakery; a once and future local hub.

The Guardian

"It's about us and it's about a once and future great city".

The New York Times

Gen. Robert C. Schenck, a once and future Ohio politician, to find out why his visitors were so upset.

The New York Times

She continues, in a fashion altogether her own, to be regina quondam reginaque futura - a "once and future queen".

The Guardian - Books

In a conflict of consultants, the Romney adviser who's helping run the convention, Russ Schriefer, is a once (and future?) Christie strategist.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Claude was the golden age artist par excellence, the visual poet of a once-and-future classical world.

The New York Times - Arts

102 Brownstone: It might seem odd for a culture vulture to perch so far north but Harlem is a once-and-future culture capital.

The Guardian - Travel

OLED has been a once-and-future technology for a half-dozen years now, and unless some flat-panel maker shows up in Las Vegas with a surprise this year -- Mitsubishi, perhaps?

The New York Times

(Jaworowski) 'Venice' Eric Rosen and Matt Sax's action-flooded musical, about a once-and-future civil war, borrows some of its plot from Shakespeare's "Othello" and much of its tone from apocalyptic movie blockbusters.

The New York Times

Though it borrows some of its story from Shakespeare's "Othello" and much of its tone from apocalyptic movie blockbusters like "The Dark Knight Rises," this tale of a once-and-future civil war still seems to translate into two-dimensional panels as you watch it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a once and future" to evoke a sense of cyclical return or to suggest that something's past importance will be rekindled in the future.

Common error

The phrase "a once and future" carries a sense of destiny or historical significance. Using it for trivial or everyday situations can dilute its impact and sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a once and future" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating something's past existence and expected future re-emergence, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples from reputable news sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a once and future" is a descriptive adjective phrase used to indicate something that has existed in the past and is expected to return or regain importance in the future. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, particularly News & Media and Academia, with a slightly formal tone. Use it to evoke a sense of cyclical return or renewed significance, but avoid overuse in trivial situations to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formerly and prospectively

This alternative uses more formal language to indicate a past and potential future state.

one time and future

This variation slightly changes the emphasis, focusing on a single past instance and a future possibility.

previously and with anticipation

This version emphasizes the past existence and future expectation of something.

in the past and with a future

Emphasizes the existence of both a past and a projected future for the subject.

used to be and will be again

A simpler, more direct way of expressing the concept of a return to a previous state.

formerly, and expected in the future

Clarifies the anticipation of a future recurrence.

once was, and will be

Highlights a cyclical nature of existence, implying a return to a previous state.

past and future potential

Focuses on the realized past and the unrealized future capability.

used to be, and anticipates being

Focuses on the anticipation of returning to a prior condition or role.

ex- and soon-to-be

A concise, modern construction highlighting the change in status.

FAQs

How can I use "a once and future" in a sentence?

Use "a once and future" to describe something that existed in the past and is expected to return or regain prominence in the future. For instance, "He is described as "a once and future leader" of the movement".

What are some alternatives to "a once and future"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "formerly and prospectively", or "previously and with anticipation", to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "a once and future" in formal writing?

Yes, "a once and future" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing historical figures, cyclical events, or anticipated revivals. However, ensure its use aligns with the tone and register of your writing.

What is the origin of the phrase "a once and future king"?

The phrase "a once and future king" is closely associated with the Arthurian legend, particularly T.H. White's novel The Once and Future King, which portrays King Arthur as destined to return in Britain's time of need.