for the only time in the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for the only time in the" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is happening or has happened uniquely or singularly within a specific context or timeframe. Example: "He visited the museum for the only time in the summer of 2020."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

For the only time in the interview, Cameron looks irritated.

Independent

For the only time in the conversation, Mr. Beck looks uncomfortable.

The New York Times

For the only time in the score you hear a steady rhythmic pulse that evolves into a gentle dance rhythm.

The New York Times

Naras officials reviewed the circumstances around the award and decided, for the only time in the history of the Grammys, to withdraw the award.

The Guardian - Music

Bush, for the only time in the last twelve years that writer knows of, actually spoke as himself--although from behind the Bushman mask.

The New Yorker

When Roddick broke it, for the only time, in the second set to lead 2-1, the shock was profound, although the effect was not.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

"By the afternoon, and for the only time in my career I was in the zone.

The Guardian - Sport

For the only time in my monthlong stay in Sudan, I felt overt hostility.

The New York Times - Magazine

He finished out of the money, for the only time in his career, in the Belmont Stakes.

The New York Times - Sports

Frank Rijkaard's only club experience had been to relegate Sparta Rotterdam for the only time in their history.

The Guardian - Sport

So for the first and only time in history, an announcer was traded for a player.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: Ensure that the uniqueness you're emphasizing is genuinely significant. Overusing the phrase can diminish its effect.

Common error

Avoid using "for the only time in the" when the context doesn't genuinely warrant such emphasis. Ensure the uniqueness is significant within the scope you're defining, not merely a trivial occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for the only time in the" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by specifying the unique timing of an action or event. It typically introduces a clause that highlights the singular nature of the occurrence. As shown in Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and broadly usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for the only time in the" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the unique occurrence of an event within a given context. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and broad applicability. It functions as an adverbial phrase and is suitable for a range of registers, particularly in news, sports reporting, and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, it's best to ensure that the uniqueness genuinely warrants such emphasis. Alternative phrases like "on the sole occasion in" or "just once during" can offer similar emphasis with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the sole occasion in

Emphasizes the singularity of the event, focusing on the single instance.

just once during

Highlights the infrequency, specifying it happened merely one time.

in a single instance within

Stresses that the event happened uniquely within a broader scope.

the solitary instance of

Indicates a unique event emphasizing its isolated occurrence.

but one time in

Underlines the fact that the event happened rarely within a certain timeframe or context.

one singular time during

Highlights the uniqueness of an event happening during a specific period.

a unique occasion within

Focuses on the distinctiveness of an event inside a defined context.

a one-off event in

Denotes the event as an isolated incident, not to be repeated.

the unprecedented instance of

Emphasizes that the event has no prior occurrence.

for a unique moment in

Highlights a brief, unrepeated experience within something.

FAQs

How can I use "for the only time in the" in a sentence?

You can use "for the only time in the" to highlight a unique event or occurrence within a specific context. For example, "He visited the museum "for the only time in the" summer of 2020."

What are some alternatives to "for the only time in the"?

Alternatives include phrases like "on the sole occasion in", "just once during", or "in a single instance within", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "for the only time in the"?

Yes, "for the only time in the" is grammatically correct. It's a common phrase used to emphasize the singularity of an event within a particular context.

What's the difference between "for the only time in the" and "for the first time in the"?

"For the only time in the" emphasizes that something happened once and never again, while "for the first time in the" simply indicates the initial occurrence, without implying it won't happen again. For example, "He scored a goal "for the first time in the" match" implies he might score again, whereas "He was carded "for the only time in the" match" suggests it was an isolated incident.