once known as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "once known as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about the former or original name of something. For example, you could say: "San Francisco, once known as Yerba Buena, is a vibrant city on the west coast of California."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

That is what was once known as simply a guitar.

The New York Times

State records show it was once known as Greenpeace Alaska.

The New York Times

Once known as "regulars" -- the men who played every day.

The New York Times

Once known as Defiance, Glenwood Springs was founded in 1885.

The New York Times - Travel

CSB was once known as CBS but that's another story.

The New York Times

She notes that it was once known as Free Haven.

The New York Times

It was Nick Esposito, once known as the Singing Longshoreman.

The New York Times

The Rockaways were once known as New York City's playground.

The New York Times

The river was once known as the St.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Indianapolis was once known as the 100 Percent American City.

The New York Times - Food

Most House Democrats have tended to oppose trade promotion authority, once known as fast track.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "once known as" to provide historical context or to highlight a change in identity. This phrase is particularly effective when the former name is relevant or provides additional information.

Common error

Avoid using "once known as" in contexts where the 'once' is unnecessary or redundant. For example, avoid sentences like "It was once once known as..." Instead, simply state "It was once known as..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "once known as" functions as a descriptive modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, providing historical context or previous identification. Ludwig's examples show it typically precedes a name or designation to indicate a change over time. Its primary grammatical role is to add information about a subject's past identity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "once known as" is a grammatically correct and very common way to refer to a previous name or identity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it functions as an adjectival phrase, adding historical context. Its usage is particularly prevalent in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science sources, maintaining a neutral register suitable for diverse writing styles. When using this phrase, ensure that it is not redundant and that it effectively highlights a relevant change in identity. Alternatives like "formerly known as" or "previously called" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formerly known as

Emphasizes a more formal and direct shift from a previous name or identity.

previously called

Focuses specifically on the prior name or title of something.

used to be named

Highlights a past naming convention, often implying a change.

at one time called

Suggests a specific period when something had a different name.

in the past referred to as

Indicates a historical reference that differs from the current one.

was then known as

Highlights a particular moment or era when a different designation was in use.

historically referred to as

Emphasizes the historical context of a past designation.

back then called

Uses more informal language to refer to a name used in the past.

by its original name

Highlights returning to a previous name.

under the old name of

Emphasizes the old name in contrast to the new one.

FAQs

How do I use "once known as" in a sentence?

Use "once known as" to indicate a previous name or identity that has since changed. For example: "Constantinople, "once known as" Byzantium, is now Istanbul."

What's a good alternative to "once known as"?

Alternatives include phrases like "formerly known as", "previously called", or "used to be named", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "it was once once known as"?

Yes, repeating "once" is redundant. The correct and concise phrasing is "It was "once known as"..."

What is the difference between "once known as" and "later known as"?

"Once known as" refers to a past name or identity, while "later known as" indicates a subsequent name change that occurred after an initial period. For example, "It was "once known as" A, and "later known as" B."