once

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "once" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various ways, such as to mean "at one time," "on one occasion," "immediately," or "as soon as." For example: Once the sun sets, we should get moving.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Once bitten, twice shy".

The New York Times

One former Alton Towers employee explained that the Smiler could have up to five cars moving around the track at once and a "block system" run by sensors prevented two cars entering specific sections at the same time.

The Guardian

"I was amazed to find that I slept that night without waking up once, and I can't remember the last time that happened.

The Guardian

Teddy Roosevelt once observed that life's greatest gift is the opportunity to work hard at work worth doing.

The Guardian

Once again it shows how voluntary action can show the way, proving that a low-carbon future is an essential, achievable and urgent priority.

The Guardian

Once all polling stations have closed this restriction will be lifted.

The Guardian - Opinion

But once banks get a customer he's pretty much theirs for good.

The Economist

In the days that I followed Jones around, I heard several people who ran training programs in green professions complain that once their students had graduated they couldn't find work.

The Economist

My look was described as "All Saints mum" once.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I once joined a shopping trip in pursuit of some of this stuff.

The Guardian - Opinion

He noted "that once hollowed-out city centres are thriving again, with growing universities, iconic museums and cultural events, and with huge improvements to the quality of life".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "once" as a conjunction, ensure the clause it introduces clearly indicates the condition or timing for the main clause. For example, "Once you understand the basics, the rest will be easier."

Common error

Avoid placing a comma directly before "once" when it functions as a conjunction introducing a dependent clause that precedes the independent clause. Incorrect: "The game will start, once everyone arrives." Correct: "The game will start once everyone arrives."

Linguistic Context

The word "once" functions primarily as an adverb, indicating a single instance or a past occurrence. It also operates as a conjunction, introducing a dependent clause expressing a condition or timing. This is supported by Ludwig AI, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "once" is a highly versatile term in the English language, functioning primarily as an adverb indicating a single instance or as a conjunction introducing conditional or temporal relationships. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and suitable for a wide range of contexts. Its frequent appearance in news and media underscores its widespread usage. When using "once", be mindful of its dual role and the potential for redundancy with phrases like "once when". Alternatives such as "one time", "formerly", or "as soon as" may be appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as soon as

Highlights the immediate succession of events.

one time

Focuses on a single occurrence, emphasizing the numerical aspect.

formerly

Highlights a state or condition that existed in the past but no longer does.

previously

Indicates something that happened or existed before the current situation.

in the past

General reference to a prior period or event.

upon

Emphasizes the immediacy or conditionality of an event following another.

after

Signifies a sequence where one event follows another.

when

Introduces a time-related condition or circumstance.

if ever

Implies a condition that may or may not occur.

in the event that

Formally introduces a conditional scenario.

FAQs

How can I use "once" in a sentence?

"Once" can be used as an adverb meaning 'one time', such as in the sentence "I have only been there "one time"". It can also be used as a conjunction meaning 'as soon as', such as in the sentence "As soon as you finish your homework, you can play."

What are some alternatives to using "once"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "one time", "formerly", or "as soon as".

Is it correct to say "once when"?

While not inherently incorrect, using "once when" can sometimes be redundant. Consider whether "once" or "when" alone sufficiently conveys your intended meaning. For instance, instead of "I remember once when...", you might say "I remember when..." or "I remember one time when...".

What's the difference between "once" and "one time"?

"Once" and "one time" are often interchangeable when referring to a single occurrence. However, "once" can also function as a conjunction meaning 'as soon as', while "one time" primarily emphasizes the numerical aspect of a single occurrence.