once found

USAGE SUMMARY

"once found" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something was discovered at a certain point in time. For example: The artifact, once found in the ruins of the ancient city, is now on display in the local museum.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They once found jobs on building sites.

The Economist

I once found one under a lavender bush".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Rosenstock once found deer bones arranged atop the memorial.

The Washington Post

"We once found a pager," Ms. Steinberg said.

The New York Times

I once found half a horse, all bloated.

The Guardian

"I once found a website that was obsessed with shoelaces.

The Guardian - Film

A customer once found a beautiful violin up there.

The New Yorker

I once found myself showering with my socks on.

The New York Times

Her estranged husband once found her and broke her nose.

The New York Times

Once found, such solutions can be applied over and over again.

Perspectives on Data Science for Software Engineering

Nanoparticles may be engineered to noninvasively visualize pathology once found only under a microscope.

World Neurosurgery

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "once found" to introduce a consequence or action that follows the act of finding something. It clearly establishes a sequence of events.

Common error

Avoid using "once found" in contexts where the finding is hypothetical or uncertain. It implies that the discovery has already occurred. For a hypothetical situation, use "if found" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "once found" functions as an adverbial clause, modifying a main clause by indicating the condition or time at which the action in the main clause occurs. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, acting as a temporal or conditional modifier.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

22%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "once found" serves as an adverbial clause, effectively setting a temporal or conditional stage for subsequent events. Ludwig indicates that the expression is correct and widely utilized in English writing. As evidenced by the analysis, it appears most frequently in "News & Media", "Science", and "Academia", indicating its versatile application across various contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the finding has either occurred or is strongly implied to emphasize the logical sequence you're presenting. Alternatives such as "after being discovered" or "upon discovery" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon discovery

Emphasizes the moment of discovery and its immediate consequences.

after being discovered

Focuses on the state of having been discovered, rather than the act of discovery itself.

when discovered

Sets a temporal condition related to the act of discovering something.

following its discovery

Similar to "upon discovery" but with a slightly more formal tone.

on being found

A more succinct version that emphasizes the state of being found.

having been located

Highlights the successful finding of something that was previously missing.

subsequent to finding

A more formal way to express the timing of events after a finding.

after it was located

Specifies that something needs to have been 'located' before any follow up action takes place.

after unearthing

Implies a more deliberate and investigative finding.

with the discovery of

Focuses on what can be done after the discovery has happened.

FAQs

How can I use "once found" in a sentence?

Use "once found" to indicate that something happens after something is discovered. For example, "Once found, the treasure will be distributed among the crew."

What are some alternatives to "once found"?

You can use alternatives such as "after being discovered", "upon discovery", or "when discovered" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "one time found" instead of "once found"?

While "one time" can refer to a single occurrence, "once found" specifically refers to the action of finding something and the subsequent result or action. "One time found" is not a standard or idiomatic expression.

What is the difference between "if found" and "once found"?

"If found" implies a hypothetical scenario, suggesting something might be discovered, whereas "once found" indicates that the discovery has already happened and certain actions or results will follow.