once at that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "once at that" is not a standard expression in written English and may be confusing without context.
It could potentially be used in a context where you are referring to a specific time or event that occurred, but clarity is essential. Example: "I only visited that city once at that, and it was a memorable experience."

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It is takeout food for eating in front of "Sports Center" and just once at that: the meat is dry and the sauce too sweet.

The New York Times - Food

Once at that site, click on FAQ and then on Currency, V.A.T., Customs and Excise.

The New York Times - Travel

[audience laughs] AW: I thought it was only once at that time.

The Guardian - Film

Barack Obama three times in 2009, twice at the White House and once at that year's Nobel Prize ceremony in Oslo, where he received the Prize for Peace.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Berry said she believed it was a Green party conference last September as she had given only one speech once at that time since becoming the candidate that month.

The Guardian

As a San Francisco cyclist, I've had my stomach sink more than once at that discouraging sight.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Of his one goal, he jokes: "I made a mistake once". At Barcelona that role is vital, the central cog.

The Guardian - Sport

Once at USC, that connection proved invaluable.

Los Angeles Times

Since they can't all do that at once, that suggests the current calm in the currency markets is fleeting.

The Economist

You can't take it all in at once: that might be Skaer's message.

The Guardian - Arts

If I had the power to be in multiple places at once, that would be incredible!

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only once" or "just that once" instead of "once at that" for improved clarity, as it more directly conveys the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "once at that" when implying the possibility of repeated actions; instead, use "only once" to clearly denote a single occurrence without the risk of suggesting recurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "once at that" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifying the frequency or occurrence of an event. It modifies a verb or clause by indicating that something happened a single time in a particular context, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "once at that" is used to indicate a single occurrence, though it's not as common or clear as alternatives like "only once". Ludwig indicates that while grammatically acceptable, it may be perceived as somewhat ambiguous. It appears in various sources, including news and encyclopedias, but clarity is often improved by opting for more direct phrasing. Using clearer alternatives such as "only once" can enhance understanding and prevent misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just that once

Emphasizes the singularity of the event, focusing on its occurrence only one time.

on that occasion

Replaces "once" with "on that occasion", specifying a particular event or instance.

at that singular instance

Highlights the unique and individual nature of the occurrence.

in that instance

Replaces "once" with "in that instance", specifying an event.

only on that single occasion

Reinforces the exclusivity and infrequency of the event.

one time only in that case

Adds a conditional element, suggesting the action happened only because of the circumstances.

that single time

Focuses on the idea of a solitary event happening in the past.

just one instance then

Shortens the structure to be more succinct, retaining the original meaning.

a solitary event in that period

Emphasizes the isolation of the occurrence within a specific timeframe.

at that specific moment

Highlights the precise timing of the event, focusing on its occurrence at a particular point.

FAQs

How can I use "once at that" in a sentence?

While "once at that" can be used to indicate a single instance, it's often clearer to use alternatives like "only once" or "just that once". For example: "I visited that city "just that once", and it was memorable."

What can I say instead of "once at that"?

Alternatives to "once at that" include "only once", ""just that once"", or "on that occasion depending on the context".

Is it grammatically correct to use "once at that"?

While not strictly incorrect, "once at that" is less common and can be ambiguous. It's generally better to opt for clearer alternatives like "only once" to avoid confusion.

What's the difference between "once at that" and "only once"?

"Only once" is a more direct and universally understood way to indicate a single occurrence, whereas "once at that" can be slightly less clear and is less frequently used.