but only once

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but only once" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is usually used to indicate that something only happens one time or only occurs once. For example: I was able to visit Japan, but only once.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But only once.

The New York Times - Sports

I have, but only once.

Independent

A: Yes, but only once.

The Guardian

But only once did it break down.

The New York Times - Sports

But only once, for a whole movie.

The New Yorker

I tried them – but only once!

The Guardian

My kids – but only once they're grown up.

The Guardian

Verb endings change with tense, but only once.

The New Yorker

But only once, and briefly, did they lose control.

The New York Times

In our house we're enjoying it hugely, but only once the children have gone to bed.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Some people call me Bruce--but only once.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but only once" to clearly indicate a single instance or occurrence, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "but only once" repeatedly within a short passage. Vary your phrasing to maintain reader engagement and prevent the text from sounding monotonous. Consider using alternatives like "just once" or "a single time" to add variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but only once" functions as a conjunction phrase, connecting two clauses while emphasizing a limitation of a single occurrence. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in various contexts to highlight a specific instance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but only once" is a versatile conjunction phrase used to indicate a single occurrence while often implying a contrast or limitation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, avoid overuse to maintain clarity and reader engagement. Consider using alternatives like "just once" or "only one time" for variety. The prevalence of this phrase in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrates its widespread acceptance and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, just once

Replaces "but only" with "however, just", emphasizing the single instance.

though only one time

Substitutes "but" with "though" and uses "one time" to express the single occurrence.

yet solely once

Replaces "but" with "yet" and "only" with "solely", intensifying the exclusivity.

although just a single time

Uses "although" instead of "but" and expands "once" to "a single time" for emphasis.

even so, only on one occasion

Replaces "but" with "even so" and uses the more formal "on one occasion".

nevertheless, one time only

Employs "nevertheless" as a stronger contrast and reverses the order to "one time only".

still, uniquely once

Replaces "but" with "still" and "only" with "uniquely", suggesting rarity.

in spite of that, just one instance

Offers a more elaborate replacement using "in spite of that" and "one instance".

however, not again

Focuses on the non-repetition aspect, implying it will not happen again.

but one singular time

Adds the word "singular" to emphasize the unrepeatable nature of the event.

FAQs

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

Use "but only once" to indicate that something happened or will happen a single time, emphasizing the limited occurrence. For example: "I visited Paris, "but only once"."

What phrases are similar to "but only once"?

Similar phrases include "just once", "only one time", or "a single time". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "but only once"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase is commonly used to express a singular occurrence or limitation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and can be used in written English.

What's the difference between "but only once" and "just once"?

"But only once" implies a contrast or condition, whereas "just once" simply states the number of occurrences. "I tried sushi, "but only once"" suggests a reason why you haven't had it again, while "I've had sushi "just once"" is a neutral statement.