at one time when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at one time when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific moment in the past when something occurred or was true. Example: "At one time when I lived in the city, I would often visit the park every weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

ALL the resolvers will be updated at one time when we switch the site over.

Columbia University

But at one time, when his ranking topped out at No. 19 in 1999, he was the great American hope.

The New York Times - Sports

"At one time, when you contemplated a police job, you thought only of New York," he said.

The New York Times

Because I think that too many things at one time– when you have a lot of priorities, you really have no priorities.

Harvard Business Review

"It's challenging to have so many significant projects in one place at one time when the economy is so stressed," Ms. Tantleff said.

The New York Times

This was a hospitable society where, at one time, "when somebody invited you for lunch, you found you were there for dinner," Dr. Margoob said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

I remember at least one time when I only had one.

The New Yorker

Alternative, innovative plans are rarely heard by the general public, and at the one time when many pay attention to politics, the scope of debate is actually narrowed.

The New York Times

"Alan is a budget genius," said Robert E. Rubin, the former treasury secretary, who recalled at least one time when Mr. Cohen bailed him out of a tricky budget problem hours before he had to testify before Congress.

The New York Times

It's a wildly boring feature, to be sure, but it will speed up software updates and, more important, reduce the amount of bandwidth Apple has to blow out at any one time when it releases a update.

TechCrunch

How to make it last forever: Every week, find at least one time, when you run a bath for your partner so they can relax as you sit with them and just talk.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at one time when" to clearly indicate a contrast between a past situation and the present, providing context for a change or evolution.

Common error

Avoid using "at one time when" in sentences where the "when" clause doesn't add essential information or creates redundancy. For example, instead of saying "At one time when I was young, I liked ice cream", simply say "When I was young, I liked ice cream."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at one time when" functions as a relative clause, introducing a dependent clause that provides a temporal context or condition related to the main clause. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatically correct use and ability to add a temporal context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at one time when" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construct that functions as a relative clause to introduce a past condition or timeframe. As noted by Ludwig AI, its correct usage helps establish temporal context, often contrasting past situations with the present. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academia, "at one time when" is versatile but should be used thoughtfully to avoid redundancy. Consider alternatives such as "previously when" or "back when" to maintain writing conciseness and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previously when

Replaces "at one time" with "previously", focusing on a prior state or condition.

formerly when

Similar to 'previously when', but implies a more distant past.

back when

A more informal alternative, shortening "at one time" to "back".

in the past when

More descriptive, specifying "in the past" instead of using a single adverb.

in earlier days when

Implies a significant period of time ago, adding a nostalgic tone.

once upon a time when

Introduces a narrative or storytelling element.

in those days when

Refers to a specific, often remembered, period.

in a previous era when

Suggests a longer, more defined historical period.

earlier on when

A more colloquial alternative, emphasizing a point earlier in a sequence.

at a former period when

A formal and somewhat redundant alternative.

FAQs

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

Use "at one time when" to introduce a clause that describes a past situation, often contrasting with the present. For example: "At one time when the factory was running, the town was prosperous."

What are some alternatives to "at one time when"?

You can use alternatives like "previously when", "formerly when", or "back when" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "at one time when"?

It can be redundant if the "when" clause doesn't provide necessary information. Ensure the clause clarifies or contrasts with the main statement. Avoid unnecessary repetition.

Which is more formal: "at one time when" or "back when"?

"At one time when" is generally more formal than "back when". Use "at one time when" in formal writing and presentations, while "back when" is suitable for informal contexts.