once possible

USAGE SUMMARY

"once possible" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe a state of being or happening that is no longer achievable. For example, "Running a four-minute mile was once possible, but now seems out of reach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

So, naturally the focus is shifting to whether surface life was once possible.

The Guardian

It was once possible to go for months, even years, without a random stranger abusing you.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was once possible to distinguish the G.O.P. circus from the G.O.P. horse race.

The New Yorker

As springtime walking weather approaches, I am reminded that it was once possible to circle Manhattan Island on foot.

The New York Times

But now we are all expanding our brand and our reach in ways that wasn't once possible.

The Economist

We must remember that acts which we now reject were also possible within our community, as we work to make what was once possible impossible.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Grim Gordon [Brown] has been going on much about Britishness, and the protestant home-ruler MacNeice got somewhere close to the once-possible reality of this in An Eclogue for Christmas or The Kingdom.

The Guardian - Opinion

As much as politicians say that they are working for America's workforce, they are losing not only people who work for Focus: HOPE, but failing the once-possible students who would have been educated by their job training.

Huffington Post

Such reverberations were once thought possible, causing great concern among some religious leaders.

The New York Times

The offering, which raised $23.1 billion, is bigger and more ambitious than had once seemed possible.

The New York Times

It once seemed possible that the Fed might raise rates as early as today.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "once possible" to highlight a contrast between past opportunities and current realities, emphasizing changes or losses over time. This phrase is especially effective when discussing historical trends, technological advancements, or shifts in societal norms.

Common error

Avoid using "once possible" when referring to something that remains feasible today. This phrase should exclusively describe situations or actions that have become unattainable or significantly more difficult.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "once possible" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or clause to indicate a past state or action that was feasible or achievable. It highlights a contrast with the present, where the same action or state is no longer attainable. Ludwig AI confirms this through various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "once possible" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that highlights a contrast between past and present realities. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for describing situations that were feasible or attainable in the past but are no longer so. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, this phrase effectively conveys a sense of change, loss, or nostalgia. When using "once possible", ensure that you are accurately portraying a past state that is no longer currently achievable. Alternatives such as "formerly feasible" or "previously achievable" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formerly feasible

Emphasizes the past feasibility of something, implying it is no longer so.

previously achievable

Highlights a past accomplishment or attainment that is no longer attainable.

used to be viable

Focuses on the past viability of something, suggesting a change in circumstances.

was once attainable

Stresses the past attainability of something, now out of reach.

once within reach

Indicates that something was formerly accessible or obtainable but no longer is.

no longer a possibility

Directly states the absence of a current possibility, contrasting with a past one.

that ship has sailed

An idiomatic expression indicating an opportunity has passed.

a bygone opportunity

Highlights that an opportunity belongs to the past and is no longer available.

in the old days

A general phrase referencing a time when things were different, often implying a loss of a past advantage.

things have changed

A broad statement indicating a shift in circumstances, leading to a loss of previous possibilities.

FAQs

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

You can use "once possible" to describe situations that were feasible in the past but are no longer so. For example, "It was "once possible" to travel across Europe without border checks, but that has changed in some regions".

What can I say instead of "once possible"?

You can use alternatives like "formerly feasible", "previously achievable", or "used to be viable" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "once possible" or "possible once"?

"Once possible" is the standard and more common phrasing. "Possible once" is grammatically correct but less idiomatic and might sound awkward in most contexts.

What's the difference between "once possible" and "still possible"?

"Once possible" indicates something that was achievable in the past but is no longer, while "still possible" suggests that something remains achievable or feasible in the present.