an once

USAGE SUMMARY

"an once" is not correct and usable in written English.
"Once" should be used on its own without an article preceding it. Example: Once I finish this task, I'm taking a break.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

At one, it was being sold under the name of Aristolochia sertentaria for $13.95 an once.

The New York Times

Finally, HiAP recognizes that an once (or more) of hubris is necessary, where we acknowledge from the outset that cities and the health impacts of urbanization are complex process, not static states, and ameliorative interventions are likely to be incomplete more often than not.

The Guardian

But if they had an once of empathy, they would understand that anger is driving the actions of Occupy.

Huffington Post

She believes their pleas to be selfish and storms off as she is "sick of taking care of everyone and everything without never even receiving a word of thanks, an once of help, or a tiny little smidgen of respect".

Wikipedia

Remember the old adage: an once of prevention is worth a pound of cure. 1. Do reassert your vows and commitment to your spouse or partner (or that special relationship in your life).

Huffington Post

An once both bags have been crushed, get yourself a long glass / cocktail glass and now you will need to layer the ice.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

A: Once.

Huffington Post

Prozac was a once-a-day drug.

Forbes

Use a once-a-month cleaner.

WikiHow

A once public and charismatic leader?

Independent

"A once-in-a-lifetime find".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "an" before "once" as it's grammatically incorrect. "Once" functions as an adverb and doesn't require an article.

Common error

Don't assume that all words starting with a vowel sound require "an". "Once" begins with a "w" sound, making "a once" grammatically suitable if an article is needed, however, once usually functions as an adverb and requires no article at all.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an once" is generally intended to function as an adverbial modifier, specifying frequency or a single occurrence. However, based on Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically incorrect as "once" does not require the indefinite article "an".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an once" is grammatically incorrect in English. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the word "once", when used as an adverb, does not require an article. While attempts to use it are found across various contexts, including News & Media and Wiki sources, the construction remains flawed. Correct alternatives include simply using "once" or rephrasing with "one time" or "on one occasion". Avoiding this error enhances clarity and credibility in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

once

Omits the article "an", which is grammatically correct.

one time

Replaces "once" with its synonymous phrase.

on one occasion

More formal substitute for "once".

at one point

Highlights a specific instance in time.

formerly

Indicates a state or condition that existed in the past.

in the past

General phrase indicating past occurrence.

previously

Another way to express something that happened earlier.

at first

Indicates the initial stage or occurrence.

in the beginning

Refers to the starting point.

in earlier times

Refers to remote past occurrences.

FAQs

How to properly use "once" in a sentence?

The word "once" can be used in a variety of ways, such as an adverb (meaning one time), a conjunction (introducing a time clause), or part of idioms. For example: "I went there "once"", "Once I finish, I'll take a break", or "once upon a time".

What are some common synonyms for "once"?

Common synonyms for "once" include "one time", "formerly", "previously", and "in the past". The best choice depends on the specific context in which you're using the word.

Is it ever correct to use an article before "once"?

While "an once" is grammatically incorrect, the article "a" can precede "once" in specific phrases, like "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity". However, "once" used as an adverb does not require an article.

What's the difference between using "once" and "one time"?

"Once" and "one time" are often interchangeable, but "once" can also function as a conjunction or part of an idiom, while "one time" is typically used only to indicate a single occurrence. Consider "I saw her "once"" versus "I saw her "one time"".