but once

USAGE SUMMARY

"but once" is correct and usable in written English when used as part of a clause.
For example: "She hadn't been sure about joining the club, but once she got there she realized it was the perfect place for her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But once in a while?

The New York Times

But once there, she rebelled.

The Economist

But, once again, it was a feint.

The New Yorker

But once again, he feels good afterward".

The New York Times - Sports

But, once it did — whoa, Nelly.

The New Yorker

"But once, everyone had the clothes".

The New York Times

But, once spent, that money has gone.

Independent

But once again, everything is political.

The New York Times

But, once again, let's be fair.

The New York Times

Winter comes but once a year,.

The New Yorker

But once again, "this is business.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but once", ensure that the contrast is clear and the sequence of events is logical. It's most effective when introducing a change or realization following an initial state or condition.

Common error

Avoid using "but once" when there is no clear temporal sequence. Ensure the 'once' refers to a specific point in time or a condition being met before the contrasting event occurs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but once" functions as a conjunctive adverbial, linking two clauses while introducing a contrast that becomes apparent after a certain condition is met or a specific point in time is reached. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but once" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a contrasting idea or event after a specific condition has been met. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media. While its neutral register makes it suitable for most contexts, it's important to ensure a clear temporal sequence when using it. For more formal writing, consider alternatives like "however once" or "notwithstanding that once". Remember to avoid using it when there's no distinct temporal connection between the clauses. With these tips, you can confidently and effectively use "but once" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however once

Emphasizes the contrast more directly than "but once".

yet once

Similar to "but once", offering a slightly more formal tone.

although once

Highlights the contrast while still emphasizing the sequence.

though once

An informal version of "although once", suitable for casual contexts.

even though once

Adds extra emphasis to the contrasting element.

notwithstanding that once

More formal, indicating that despite a previous point, something still happens.

despite the fact that once

Emphasizes the contradiction even more than "although once".

in spite of the fact that once

Similar to "despite the fact that once", highlighting the contrast.

on the other hand once

Introduces a contrasting point with a more balanced perspective.

conversely once

Directly indicates an opposite or contrasting viewpoint.

FAQs

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

Use "but once" to introduce a contrasting idea after a condition is met or an event occurs. For example, "She hesitated to start the project, but once she began, she couldn't stop".

What phrases are similar to "but once"?

Alternatives include "however once", "yet once", or "although once", each offering a slightly different emphasis on the contrast.

Is "but once" formal or informal?

"But once" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "notwithstanding that once" might be preferred in highly formal writing.

Can "but once" be replaced with just "but"?

While "but" can often replace "but once", the latter emphasizes a specific point in time or condition that triggers the contrasting event. Removing "once" may weaken this temporal connection.