once reigned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "once reigned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a time in the past when someone or something had power or control over a particular area or domain. Example: "The ancient empire once reigned over vast territories, influencing cultures and economies for centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

once reigned.

The Economist

In between, where laptops and desktops once reigned, will be a void.

The Economist

And where La Côte Basque once reigned, Mr. Ducasse will be opening BISTRO BENOIT NEW YORK.

The New York Times - Food

The blankness taxes a native with reimagining what once reigned so obvious and vital there.

The New York Times

Sometimes, it is difficult to come back in middle age, even when you've once reigned supreme.

The New York Times - Sports

IN the alternate universe of late-night TV infomercials, Carleton H. Sheets once reigned supreme.

The New York Times

Two feet tall, the imperial woodpecker of Mexico once reigned as the largest woodpecker in the world.

The New York Times

These efforts are drastically reshaping the landscape, with cactuses and succulents taking over where green grass once reigned.

The New York Times

You'll see hanger steaks where strip steaks were once ascendant, dwarf lobsters where steroidal crustaceans once reigned.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Most of the pack finished 33 seconds behind Kirsipuu and there was no change in the overall leadership, where Igor González de Galdeano, a Spaniard with ONCE, reigns supreme.

The New York Times - Sports

The present head of the once reigning family, Yi Koo, still presides at an annual ceremony at the family shrine in Seoul.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "once reigned" to evoke a sense of historical change, contrasting a past era of dominance with the present situation. It's particularly effective when discussing shifts in power, influence, or cultural norms.

Common error

Avoid using "once reigned" in contexts where a more neutral term like "existed" or "was present" would be more appropriate. "Once reigned" implies a level of authority or control that may not always be accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "once reigned" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past state of dominance or authority. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It typically modifies a noun or noun phrase, describing something that held power in the past.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "once reigned" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a past era of authority or dominance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media, with occasional use in more formal or business-oriented contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure it aligns with the context and accurately reflects a previous state of power. Alternatives like "formerly ruled" or "previously dominated" can be used to convey a similar meaning while avoiding potential misinterpretations. By keeping these points in mind, writers can effectively use the phrase "once reigned" to enrich their prose and convey a sense of historical change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formerly ruled

Emphasizes the act of governing in the past.

previously dominated

Highlights the control exerted in the past.

used to govern

Focuses on the past act of governing.

held sway in the past

Implies a period of influence or power.

was formerly in power

States directly the previous position of authority.

held dominion over

Highlights the control exerted over a specific area.

previously held authority

Focuses on the past possession of authority.

formerly presided over

Emphasizes the act of overseeing or leading.

had formerly been in charge

States that someone was previously responsible or in control.

used to be supreme

Indicates a past state of being the highest in rank or power.

FAQs

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

Use "once reigned" to describe a past era of dominance or influence, such as "The Roman Empire "once reigned" over a vast territory."

What are some alternatives to "once reigned"?

You can use alternatives such as "formerly ruled", "previously dominated", or "used to govern" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "once reigned supreme"?

Yes, "once reigned supreme" is grammatically correct. The phrase adds emphasis on the level of authority or power that was held in the past.

What is the difference between "once reigned" and "previously existed"?

"Once reigned" implies authority or dominance, while "previously existed" simply indicates presence in the past without any implication of power or control.