it is once

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is once" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a singular occurrence, but it lacks context and clarity. Example: "It is once in a lifetime that such an opportunity arises."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Today, it is once more on target and blowing diners away with its creative dishes and sure service.

The New York Times

It is once again being covered up.

The New York Times

It is once again talking tough.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is, once again, an ensemble show.

The Guardian - Music

It is once again swamping the world with exports.

The New York Times

Pit-stop complete, it is once more unto the breach.

The Guardian - Film

It is, once we have intervened, what then?

The New York Times

Today it is, once again, war and empire.

The Guardian

You'll see the way it is, once you've been coming here for a while.

The New Yorker

As a showcase for Ms. Guillem it is, once again, negligible fare.

The New York Times - Arts

"It is once again a skier's market," said Dan Sherman, director of marketing for Ski.com.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you intend to express that something happens only a single time, use the phrases "it happens once" or "it occurs once" for better clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid using "it is once" when you mean something happens only one time. This phrasing is grammatically incorrect and can confuse readers. Instead, opt for clearer alternatives like "it happens once".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is once" typically serves as an attempt to express a singular occurrence or a return to a previous state. However, this phrasing is not grammatically correct, as indicated by Ludwig AI, requiring alternative expressions to convey the intended meaning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

21%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "it is once" appears in various contexts, it is grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI indicates, clearer and more accurate alternatives such as "it happens once" or "it occurs once" should be used instead. Although frequently found in news and media, replacing it with a more suitable alternative enhances clarity and precision. Therefore, exercise caution and opt for better grammatical choices when you want to express a singular event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it happens once

Focuses on the occurrence rather than a state of being.

it occurs once

Similar to "it happens once", but uses a more formal verb.

it is happening once

Emphasizes the ongoing process of a singular event, which might be more suitable in certain contexts.

it is a one-time event

Highlights the singularity and non-repeatable nature of the event.

it is a singular occasion

Emphasizes the uniqueness and infrequency of the event.

it is one instance

Highlights a single case within a larger context.

it is a unique event

Highlights the distinctiveness of the occurence.

it happens on one occasion

Highlights a specific point of time in which an event happens.

it takes place one time

Highlights the occurence, while keeping a slightly more colloquial tone.

it only happens once

Emphasizes the infrequency of the occasion.

FAQs

How can I properly use a phrase to indicate a singular event or occurrence?

Instead of using the grammatically awkward phrase "it is once", consider using phrases like "it happens once", or "it occurs once" for clarity.

What are some alternative ways to say something only happens a single time?

Alternatives to expressing a singular event include using phrases such as "it is a one-time event" or "it only happens once" to emphasize the uniqueness of the occurrence.

Which phrase is grammatically correct: "it is once" or "it happens once"?

"It happens once" is grammatically correct. The phrase "it is once" is generally considered incorrect and lacks clarity in most contexts.

When might I use a phrase other than "it is once" to describe something that occurs a single time?

Because "it is once" is grammatically unsound, always use an alternative. Some choices are "it occurs once" or "it is a unique event" to improve clarity and correctness.