once and always

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'once and always' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are implying that something will remain a certain way from now on, even though it may have not been the case previously. For example: "I used to doubt myself, but now I know that I can trust my own decisions - once and always."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

And then, once and always, Babe Ruth — the Bambino, the Sultan of Swat.

The New Yorker

He's got 10 plans at once, and always seems to act on all of them.

The New York Times - Magazine

As a result, they can be recycled only once and always to a lower grade as, say, carpet fibre.

The Economist

Along the way, Hillary Clinton bumps into him more than once and always remembers who he is.

The Guardian - Books

He praised most of the defeated candidates by name, but not all at once, and always for things they had done in their own diocese.

The Guardian

A payroll-tax cut had been part of President Obama's stimulus package, renewed once and always intended to be part of a short-term kick-start out of the recession.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

While his watercolors are ideal -- they're named after elements such as copper and iron -- Christy Gallagher thoroughly examines the once-and-always industrial city of Bridgeport in 20 oil paintings and watercolors.

The New York Times

What with playing a rival like Mexico, whom we have beaten only once before and always play pretty tightly, it was great to see so much coverage.

The New York Times - Sports

The result is that, although bounty hunters were once rare and always members of the immediate community, white males and even women are setting up businesses to secure the large sums Asian families are prepared to pay.

The Guardian

The once mighty and always business-minded smartphone maker has returned with its followup to the PRIV.

TechCrunch

He moved with the ease of the high school boxer he'd once been, and always spoke in the quiet, measured voice of someone who takes it for granted that he'll be listened to.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "once and always" to emphasize a permanent change or a newly established, enduring state. It works best when contrasting a previous state with a new, unwavering one.

Common error

Avoid using "once and always" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or nuanced language may be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "henceforth" or "in perpetuity" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "once and always" functions as an adverbial phrase used to emphasize the permanence of a state or condition. It modifies a verb or clause, indicating that something is not just true now, but will remain true indefinitely, often contrasting with a previous state. This is supported by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Huffington Post

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "once and always" is a grammatically sound and usable English expression that signals a permanent state or decision. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While it isn't exceedingly common, it finds use across diverse sources like News & Media and Wiki. It functions as an adverbial phrase to reinforce commitment or lasting change and has a neutral formality. When writing, leverage "once and always" to highlight a transition to an enduring state, but consider the audience and context, opting for alternatives like "from now on" in more formal settings. To recap, its strength lies in conveying a definitive and unchangeable condition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

always and forever

Emphasizes the endless and unwavering nature of a bond or situation.

from now on

Focuses on the future and the establishment of a new, enduring condition.

forevermore

Emphasizes the unending nature of a situation, leaning towards a more dramatic tone.

consistently from now on

Highlights the repetitive nature of a new enduring behavior.

henceforth

Indicates a point in time from which something will be consistently true or applicable.

perpetually from here on out

Emphasizes the permanent nature of a condition moving forward.

in perpetuity

Highlights the lasting and permanent legal or formal quality of something.

ever after

Suggests a continuation from a specific point, typically used in narrative contexts.

unfailingly from this moment

Stresses the certainty and dependability of future actions or states.

from this day forward

Stresses a commitment or declaration made at a specific moment to hold for all time.

FAQs

How can I use "once and always" in a sentence?

You can use "once and always" to indicate a change that is now permanent, for example, "I was hesitant before, but now I'm committed to this project, once and always."

What phrases are similar to "once and always"?

Similar phrases include "from now on", "forevermore", and "always and forever", each carrying a slightly different emotional weight.

Is "once and always" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "once and always" may be too informal for some academic or professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "henceforth" or "in perpetuity".

What's the difference between "once and always" and "forever"?

"Forever" implies an unending duration, while "once and always" suggests a change that is now permanently in effect. It highlights the transition to a lasting state, while "forever" simply focuses on the endless nature of that state.