just this one time

USAGE SUMMARY

"just this one time" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize that something is happening or being done only once, and will not be repeated in the future. Example: "I know we agreed not to eat dessert during the week, but can we make an exception just this one time? It's my birthday tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

It's just that they truly believe that time is elastic and on this occasion, just this one time, traffic won't exist.

Vice

A lot of people think the Grammys are just this one time a year thing, but it actually goes on all year.

Huffington Post

("Just this one phone, just this one time" -- sound familiar?) That "particular" access requirement undermines the supposed ban on mandating "systemic" backdoors.

Stanford University

"It's just this one time," she said of her first bus ride in 26 years.

The New York Times

Bottom line is, I said ''Lord, just this one time give me strength". And I'm punching, punching, punching, punching.

The New York Times

"Sometimes I would tell her no, but then she would say, 'Please help me, just this one time, otherwise my kids can't eat,'" Mr. Pyle said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

It's this weird bug I discovered, or maybe it is done knowingly, like you can use Tinder to check out someone's private Instagram account just for this one time only.

Vice

You know?" "Yeah, I just remember this one time — I don't talk about it, I got a picture of it," another soldier said, describing a day when he found a body, mostly bone, still some skin, and picked up a piece of it.

The New Yorker

The Department of Justice said again and again that they were asking for a favor just for this one time.

TechCrunch

I took a deep breath and convinced myself "Oh my God yes, just YOLO this one time please".

Vice

Are we to assume this guy — who, when she asks, "Why?" could only reply, "Because I had to" — won't ever come back to rape her again or another unsuspecting woman just because this one time she gave her consent?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just this one time" to clearly signal that a deviation from a standard practice or rule is temporary and not a precedent. This helps manage expectations and avoids future misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using "just this one time" repeatedly in close proximity, as it diminishes its impact and can make the speaker seem unreliable or insincere. If frequent exceptions are needed, reconsider the initial rule or expectation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just this one time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a singular occurrence or exception. As Ludwig AI suggests, it emphasizes that something is happening or being done only once.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "just this one time" is a commonly used adverbial phrase used to indicate a singular exception to a rule or usual practice. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and suggests it's often used to emphasize the uniqueness of the instance. The phrase is widely used across various contexts, especially in news media, academic writing, and scientific publications, making it a versatile tool for expressing temporary deviations from established norms. It is generally neutral in register but can become more informal in personal settings. Be mindful of overuse to maintain credibility. Understanding these nuances will ensure effective and appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Just this once

Shorter and more emphatic, highlighting the exceptional nature of the single occasion.

Only this time

A more concise expression to indicate the unique occurrence.

One time only

Directly states that the action will not be repeated.

For this single occasion

More formal, emphasizing the specific event that warrants the exception.

Just for this singular event

Similar to "for this single occasion" but draws further attention to the unique nature of the situation.

For this instance alone

Formal and emphasizes the uniqueness of the present situation.

This is the only exception

Highlights that no other exception will be made.

A one-off event

Highlights the singularity and unrepeatable nature of this event.

Not again

Briefly implies that the action is only being done once.

This is exceptional

Emphasizes that it won't happen again.

FAQs

How can I use "just this one time" in a sentence?

You can use "just this one time" to indicate a singular exception to a rule or agreement. For example, "I know we're on a diet, but could we have dessert "just this one time"?"

What's a less common way to say "just this one time"?

Alternatives to "just this one time" include phrases like "only this once", "for this single occasion", or simply "one time only".

Is it okay to start a sentence with "just this one time"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "just this one time", particularly for emphasis. Example: "Just this one time, I'll let you borrow my car, but be careful!"

When should I avoid using "just this one time"?

Avoid using "just this one time" in situations where consistency and reliability are crucial, such as legal contracts or formal agreements, as it can imply a lack of commitment to the agreed-upon terms. In these contexts, strive for clarity and avoid ambiguity.