at one time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'at one time' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific point in the past when something happened or was true, or to refer to a period of time in the past. For example: "At one time, I was an avid skier." or "At one time, this was a popular tourist destination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"At one time I had 11 nationalities on the field at one time.

The Guardian - Sport

At one time.

The New Yorker

All this at one time.

The Guardian

Filipino game at one time.

The New Yorker

At one time, place was important.

Columbia University

Student: [inaudible] pieces at one time.

Yale University

Submit all petitions at one time.

Columbia University

We both threw hard at one time.

The New York Times - Sports

At one time it was a challenge.

The New York Times - Arts

"We had 11 rookies at one time.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Data were collected at one time-point.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at one time" to clearly indicate a state or condition that existed in the past but is no longer true. This helps to create a contrast between past and present situations.

Common error

Avoid using "at one time" when describing something that is still currently happening. It is best used to refer to something that has changed or ceased to exist. For example, instead of saying "At one time, I work here" (if you still work there), specify for how long you worked there by saying "I worked here for 5 years".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at one time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify when something occurred or was the case. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a state or action that was true in the past but is no longer so.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at one time" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to indicate that something was true or happened in the past but is no longer the case. As Ludwig AI points out, its primary function is to provide temporal context, contrasting past and present situations. It appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a past state or condition that has since changed. Alternatives include "formerly", "previously", and "in the past", which can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formerly

Indicates something that was true in the past but is no longer the case; more concise.

previously

Similar to 'formerly', emphasizing a time before the present.

in the past

A general way to refer to a time before the present; less specific.

once

Implies something was true or happened in the past.

at one point

Refers to a specific moment or period in the past.

in earlier times

More formal and literary way to refer to the past.

in bygone days

Evokes a sense of nostalgia or a distant past.

back then

Informal way to refer to a past time, often in contrast to the present.

in former times

Similar to "in earlier times", suggesting a more distant past.

in days gone by

Poetic and nostalgic reference to the past.

FAQs

How can I use "at one time" in a sentence?

Use "at one time" to express that something was true or happened in the past, but is no longer the case. For example, "At one time she lived in France".

What is a good alternative to "at one time"?

Alternatives include "formerly", "previously", or "in the past". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "at one time" in formal writing?

Yes, "at one time" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. It is a common and well-understood phrase.

What's the difference between "at one time" and "at the same time"?

"At one time" refers to a point or period in the past, while "at the same time" indicates simultaneity.