at once

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at once" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something should happen immediately or simultaneously. Example: "Please send me the report at once so that I can review it before the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At once.

The New Yorker

Send orders at once".

The New York Times

Usually both at once.

The Economist

She knew at once.

The New Yorker

Crisis threatened at once.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Everything happens at once".

The New York Times

Press two at once.

The New York Times

Accept at once".

Encyclopedia Britannica

All things at once".

The New York Times - Books

Withdrawal, beginning at once?

The New Yorker

I leave at once".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at once" to add emphasis to the immediacy or simultaneity of an action. For example, "Respond to the email at once" conveys a sense of urgency.

Common error

While "at once" is versatile, it may sound less formal than alternatives like "immediately" or "forthwith" in certain professional settings. Consider your audience and the desired tone when choosing this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The adverbial phrase "at once" functions primarily to modify verbs, adverbs, or entire clauses, indicating either immediacy (acting without delay) or simultaneity (occurring at the same time). Ludwig provides examples of both usages, confirming its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "at once" effectively communicates immediacy or simultaneity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various sources. While generally neutral in tone, consider the context when choosing between "at once" and more formal alternatives like "immediately" or "forthwith". When aiming to add emphasis on something that need to happen immediately or simultaneously, "at once" is a great choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immediately

Emphasizes the lack of delay, focusing on the instantaneous nature of the action.

right away

Informal expression stressing the promptness of action.

instantaneously

Highlights the speed and lack of any interval.

simultaneously

Focuses on multiple actions occurring at the same time.

in one go

Indicates that something is done completely and without interruption.

in a flash

Suggests something happening very quickly or suddenly.

without delay

Stresses the urgency and lack of procrastination.

forthwith

Formal term indicating immediate action or compliance.

on the double

Informal expression meaning to do something quickly and efficiently.

at the same time

Highlights the concurrent nature of events or actions.

FAQs

What does "at once" mean?

The phrase "at once" typically means immediately or simultaneously. It can indicate that something should happen without delay or that multiple things occur at the same time.

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

You can use "at once" to emphasize the urgency of a request or to describe simultaneous actions. For example: "Please submit your application "immediately"", or "The bells rang "at the same time"".

What can I say instead of "at once"?

Alternatives to "at once" include "immediately", "right away", "simultaneously", or "forthwith", depending on the specific context.

Is "at once" formal or informal?

The formality of "at once" is neutral. While suitable for general use, consider more formal alternatives like "forthwith" or "immediately" in highly professional contexts.