just this once

USAGE SUMMARY

"just this once" is a common phrase used in written English.
You use it when making a request that you'd like to be granted only this one time, with the implication that the request likely won't be granted again in the future. For example, "Can I stay out past curfew just this once?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just this once... can you... please..

Huffington Post

But just this once".

The New York Times - Arts

Please resist, just this once.

The Economist

But Just This Once.

The New York Times

Couldn't I drive, just this once?

The New York Times

Just this once, something unexpected happened.

The New York Times

All right then, just this once.

The New Yorker

Just this once, you say.

The New York Times

"Just this once," she said.

The Guardian - Books

"Come on, baby — just this once!

The New Yorker

Just this once... .. Dysfunctional, destructive and disastrous.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "just this once" with a clear explanation of why you're making the exception. This provides context and reduces potential misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using "just this once" frequently, as it can erode trust and create a perception of inconsistency. Reserve it for genuinely exceptional circumstances to maintain its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just this once" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that an action or allowance is happening only on this particular occasion. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "just this once" is a common adverbial phrase used to indicate a singular exception to a rule or expectation. Ludwig AI analysis, based on a wide range of sources, confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While its register leans toward neutral, it is important to use the phrase judiciously to maintain its intended impact and avoid eroding trust. Consider alternatives like "for this one occasion" in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for this one occasion

Focuses on the specific occasion as the reason for the exception.

as a single exception

Emphasizes the uniqueness and infrequency of the allowance.

for this solitary instance

Highlights the isolated nature of the event.

only on this occasion

Stresses the limitation to the present circumstance.

in this particular case

Draws attention to the specific situation warranting the exception.

one time only

A more direct and informal way to express the singularity of the event.

for the sake of this instance

Highlights the purpose or reason behind making an exception.

exclusively this time

Underlines that the exception is limited to the current moment and no other.

as a special case

Indicates that standard rules are being set aside due to unusual circumstances.

purely for this event

Focuses on limiting the exception solely to the current event or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "just this once" in a sentence?

"Just this once" is used to indicate an exception to a rule or usual behavior. For example, you could say, "Can we stay up late "just this once"?"

What does "just this once" imply?

The phrase "just this once" implies that the request or action is not typical and should not be expected in the future. It suggests a one-time exception.

Are there alternative ways to say "just this once"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "for this one occasion", "as a single exception", or "only on this occasion" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "just this once" in formal settings?

While "just this once" is generally understood, it may be perceived as informal. In formal settings, consider using phrases like "for this particular instance" or "as an exception for this situation" to maintain a more professional tone.