as once

USAGE SUMMARY

"as once" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use "as once" to contrast how something used to be (or was once) with how it is now. For example: "The area was once bustling with activity, but now it's quiet and somber, as once."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I called after her just as, once again, Tapka deposited Clonchik at my feet.

The New Yorker

Particularly as, once rebuffed, he now looks set to come back with his fists up.

Independent

The investigators should be congratulated as, once again, the bar has been raised.

Critical Care

As once there used to be.

The Guardian

Winds are not as important as once thought.

The New Yorker

Some will be furloughed as often as once a week.

The New York Times

Stockhausen's harmonic writing is as once pungent and alluring.

The New York Times - Arts

Patients get an injection as often as once a month.

The New York Times

There, as once here, a terrible beauty is born.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Only 18% do so as often as once a fortnight.

The Guardian

"But it doesn't happen as often as once a year".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as once" to clearly establish a contrast between a past state or belief and the current reality or understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "as once" excessively in contemporary writing, as it can sound archaic. Modern alternatives like "as was once" or rephrasing the sentence may improve clarity and readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as once" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a comparison between a past state and the current state. This is evident from Ludwig, which provides examples showcasing its usage to contrast former beliefs with current understandings.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as once" serves to draw a comparison between a past and present state, belief, or condition. While grammatically correct, Ludwig indicates that its usage is relatively rare and can sometimes sound formal or archaic. The phrase appears in a range of contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic sources, and offers a way to highlight a shift in understanding or circumstances. When considering its use, remember that more common alternatives may provide improved clarity and readability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as previously

Focuses on a prior state without necessarily implying a contrast with the present.

formerly

Emphasizes the past nature of a situation or condition.

in the past

Highlights a time before the present, without the comparative aspect.

at one time

Implies a past occurrence that may or may not continue.

once upon a time

Used primarily in storytelling to introduce a past event or situation.

back then

Refers to a specific period in the past, typically in contrast to the present.

in earlier times

Suggests a comparison between current times and the distant past.

in days gone by

Evokes a sense of nostalgia for the past.

in bygone eras

Similar to "in days gone by", but more formal and emphasizes historical periods.

historically

Refers to past events in a factual or analytical context.

FAQs

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

Use "as once" to compare a past state, belief, or condition with the present. For instance, "The accepted theory was X, but now, "as once", we know it to be Y".

What is a modern alternative to using "as once"?

Consider alternatives like "as was once", "as it once was", or rephrasing the sentence to improve clarity. For example, instead of "It was thought X, "as once"", try "It was once thought X".

Is "as once" grammatically correct?

Yes, "as once" is grammatically sound, but its usage is infrequent and can sound formal or archaic. Consider the context and audience when deciding whether to use it.

What is the difference between "as once" and "previously"?

"As once" directly implies a contrast between past and present. "Previously" ("as previously") simply refers to an earlier time without necessarily implying a change or contrast.