not once

USAGE SUMMARY

"not once" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something has never happened. Example: He had given her his word, but not once had he kept his promise.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not once?

The New York Times

"Not once?" "Not once".

The New York Times - Sports

No, not once.

The New Yorker

Not once, but twice.

The New York Times

"Not once again.

The New Yorker

"Not once," he said.

The New York Times

It was twice, not once.

The New York Times

"Not once has it stopped".

The Economist

Not once in my life".

The New Yorker

"It's not once," Wilander said.

The New York Times - Magazine

"NOT once in a decade.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not once", ensure the sentence structure clearly indicates what action or event never happened. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the message is effectively conveyed.

Common error

Avoid overusing "not once" in close proximity within your writing. Overuse can dilute the impact of the phrase and make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language using synonyms like "never" or "not ever".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not once" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb, negating it and emphasizing the absence of an action or event. Ludwig AI shows many examples of this usage, highlighting its role in emphasizing negation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not once" functions as an adverbial phrase to emphasize the complete absence of an event. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, primarily in news and media contexts, as well as other types of sources. While alternatives like "never" exist, "not once" provides a specific emphasis that can strengthen a point. When using this phrase, be sure to avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Overall, understanding when and how to use "not once" can enhance your writing and more effectively communicate the absence of an action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

never

This single word is a direct synonym, providing a concise alternative.

absolutely never

Adds intensity to the negation, strengthening the idea that something never happened.

not ever

Emphasizes the absence of an event happening at any point in time.

not a single time

Highlights the lack of even one instance of an event.

on no occasion

A more formal way of saying something never happened.

at no time

Similar to 'on no occasion' but can refer to a specific period.

not in any instance

Emphasizes the absence across all possible cases.

not one time

A slightly less common variant of 'not a single time'.

zero times

Directly quantifies the absence of an event.

in no case

Used to indicate a complete absence of an occurrence.

FAQs

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

To effectively use "not once", place it before the verb you want to negate, often with an inverted sentence structure. For instance, "Not once did he apologize" emphasizes the lack of apology.

What does "not once" emphasize in a sentence?

"Not once" emphasizes the complete absence of an event or action. It underscores that something has never occurred, adding a strong negative emphasis.

Is it better to use "not once" or "never" in formal writing?

While both "not once" and "never" convey a similar meaning, "not once" can sometimes add more dramatic emphasis. "Never" is generally more common in formal writing, but "not once" can be used effectively when strong emphasis is desired.

What are some alternatives to using "not once" in my writing?

Alternatives to "not once" include "never", "not ever", or "not a single time". The choice depends on the level of emphasis and formality you wish to convey.