once is possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "once is possible" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to convey that something can happen at least one time, but the phrasing is awkward and unclear. Example: "If you try hard enough, once is possible, but it may take several attempts to succeed."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The departure of hope coincided with the exponential growth in modern communications, which meant that countries could not be shut off by their leaders in the way that once was possible.

BBC

If anything, they are proving that greatness on the field can come even earlier than it used to, well before it once was possible or realistic.

Los Angeles Times

But I prophesy that what was once impossible is possible.

The Guardian

The date, given as "12th-15th century," reflects the vagueness surrounding much of Cham culture, but for once it is possible to be more precise.

The New York Times - Arts

Once that is possible, it will closely match the functionality of GUI database tools like MySQL Query Browser.

TechCrunch

Once conversation is possible, the next requirement is filtering, to reduce or eliminate cross-talk (spam) and flow affinity conversations into appropriate containers.

TechCrunch

From there, believing in life once again is possible.

Huffington Post

Once it is possible to infect the phagotrophs, killing them with antibiotics becomes counterproductive.

Biology Direct

Although we assume that the CF changes the origin of haplotype only once, it is possible that a CF changes the derivation many times over.

BMC Genomics

Try to find a restroom once one is possible, if availability is the problem.

WikiHow

Once focused, it is possible to learn.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "once is possible" in formal writing. Instead, opt for clearer and more grammatically correct alternatives like "it can happen once" or "it is possible at least once".

Common error

A common mistake is to assume that combining individual words that make sense will automatically result in a coherent phrase. "Once is possible" might seem logical, but it lacks conventional usage and idiomatic support. Instead, rely on established phrases to convey your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "once is possible" attempts to express the potential for a singular occurrence or event. However, the structure is not grammatically sound, as noted by Ludwig, and lacks idiomatic usage in standard English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "once is possible" is not considered correct in standard written English. As Ludwig AI points out, it's an awkward and unclear phrasing. While the intention might be to express that something can happen at least one time, it's best to avoid this phrase and opt for more grammatically sound alternatives like "it can happen once" or "it is possible at least once". These alternatives provide clarity and are more readily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it can happen once

Rephrases the idea using a more common and understandable structure, focusing on the occurrence of something one time.

it is possible at least once

Adds emphasis on the minimum occurrence of something being possible, ensuring clarity.

it might occur once

Uses "might" to indicate possibility with a slight degree of uncertainty.

it is achievable in one instance

Focuses on the feasibility of achieving something in a single attempt or event.

a single instance is possible

Emphasizes the possibility of a single event or occurrence.

it is feasible on one occasion

Highlights the practicality of something happening in a particular situation.

one occurrence is conceivable

Suggests that a single occurrence is imaginable or believable.

a solitary event is possible

Uses more formal language to indicate the possibility of a single, isolated event.

it is doable in a single try

Focuses on the ability to accomplish something with just one attempt.

success is attainable once

Highlights that achieving success is possible, though perhaps only on one occasion.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "once is possible" to be grammatically correct?

You can use alternatives like "it can happen once" or "it is possible at least once" to express the idea that something can occur at least one time.

Is "once is possible" a common expression in English?

No, "once is possible" is not a standard or commonly used expression in English. It's best to use more conventional phrases to avoid confusion.

What's a more emphatic way to say something is possible one time?

You could say "it is definitely possible once" or "it is assuredly possible once" to strongly emphasize the possibility of a single occurrence.

In what contexts might someone mistakenly use "once is possible"?

Someone might use "once is possible" when trying to express that something, though difficult or unlikely, can still happen at least one time. However, it's always better to use clearer phrasing.