not at once

USAGE SUMMARY

"not at once" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means "not immediately" or "not all at once." Example: "I can't make a decision about the job offer at once. I need some time to think about it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

MALLOY (hastily): Not at once.

The New Yorker

Since Miltiades was not at once expelled by the Persians, the story is doubtful.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After Anand's 24 Nde! Bd7 25 de, Karpov could not at once recapture with 25..

The New York Times

"Both," she says, "but not at once", tugging him into bed with her.

The Guardian - Film

She frowned, not at once taking in what he was saying.

The New Yorker

In the Malay Peninsula, the coming of colonial rule did not at once overwhelm the existing native literature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

At any one point this movement may take place not at once but rather in irregular steps; these sudden slowings and restartings give rise to the vibrations that propagate as seismic waves.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Not everywhere, not consistently and not all at once.

The Washington Post

But not all at once.

The New York Times

BUT not all at once.

The New York Times

But not all at once, please.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not at once" to clearly indicate a process or event that unfolds over time, rather than instantaneously. This is especially effective when contrasting it with the expectation of immediate results.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying too heavily on "not at once" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing by using synonyms like "gradually", "over time", or "not immediately" to improve readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not at once" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the timing or manner of an action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it specifies that something does not happen immediately or simultaneously. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing gradual processes or delayed effects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

21%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

9%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not at once" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverbial phrase that signifies a lack of immediacy or simultaneity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly when describing processes unfolding gradually or managing expectations about timelines. While versatile, it's essential to consider alternatives like "gradually" or "not immediately" to avoid redundancy. Predominantly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Academia, this phrase serves to clarify temporal aspects in a wide array of subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not immediately

Replaces "at once" with "immediately", emphasizing the lack of instantaneity.

not instantaneously

Emphasizes a complete lack of speed in occurrence.

not in a single moment

Focuses on the absence of occurrence within a brief timeframe.

not right away

An informal expression indicating a delay.

not presently

Highlights that the action will not occur in the current moment.

not in the short term

Shifts the focus to a slightly longer timeframe.

gradually

Indicates a slow and incremental process.

eventually, but not now

Suggests future occurrence but denies immediacy.

in due course

Implies an eventual happening at an appropriate time.

over time

Focuses on the extended duration required for something to happen.

FAQs

What does "not at once" mean?

The phrase "not at once" means "not immediately" or "not all at once". It indicates that something will happen, but not instantly or simultaneously.

How can I use "not at once" in a sentence?

You can use "not at once" to describe processes that occur gradually. For example: "The effects of the policy change will be felt "not at once", but over several months."

What are some alternatives to "not at once"?

Alternatives to "not at once" include phrases like "not immediately", "gradually", or "over time". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "not at once" or "not all at once"?

Both "not at once" and "not all at once" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Not at once" implies a delay in time, while "not all at once" suggests that things will happen in stages or separately. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended meaning.