Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
once relevant
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "once relevant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that was applicable or significant at a previous time but may no longer hold the same importance. Example: "The information in that report was once relevant, but now it needs to be updated to reflect current trends."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(20)
ever appropriate
invariably appropriate
ever relevant
ever suitable
ever applicable
enduringly important
completely relevant
always pertinent
constantly applicable
moreover relevant
perennially significant
persistently valid
totally relevant
always relevant
even relevant
ever useful
consistently relevant
in its day
no longer applicable
historically significant
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
30 human-written examples
Once relevant genes are identified, however, it should be possible to make small chips containing relatively few genes.
News & Media
"While Gary Johnson is to be applauded for calling attention to racial disparities in the justice system, the disparities we see once relevant factors are taken into account are not as extreme as indicated by his statements," said Marc Mauer, executive director of the Sentencing Project.
News & Media
We find that once relevant controls and comparisons to observationally equivalent firms beyond the index are included, DJSI events have only limited significance and/or materiality.
Academia
Once relevant audiences were exhausted on the desktop feed too, AdParlor found it was best to choose to advertise to all of Facebook.
News & Media
The algorithm is performed independently and in parallel for the two time scales: W=60 s and W′=5 min. Once relevant statistics related to port scan attacks are provided from the counting process, one has to filter and classify these information in two groups: 'standard behavior' and 'suspicious traffic'.
Also on Wednesday, Chevron clinched separate deals to sell a 1.25% stake in the Gorgon Project to Osaka Gas, and 1% shareholding of the project to Tokyo Gas. Chevron's interest in Gorgon will thus drop to 47.75%, once relevant approvals have been obtained on the equity agreements with Osaka Gas and Tokyo Gas, from the present level of 50%.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
30 human-written examples
Or, said in a more commercial way, he won't be able to deliver on his once-relevant offering.
News & Media
Everybody is asking the same question: VCs, app developers, once-relevant leaders of the technology revolution, even Dave Winer.
News & Media
It's against this backdrop that competitors like Evelozcity and Independent Electric Vehicles, two startups born from the wreckage of Faraday Future (the once-relevant Tesla competitor) have come to market to potentially challenge Tesla's supremacy.
News & Media
This suggests that mGlu5 is intrinsically involved in enabling learning that once-relevant information is no longer valid.
Science
This suggests that acquisition of and extinction learning of the CS US may require distinct cellular processes, and supports that mGlu5 is intrinsically involved in enabling learning that once-relevant information is no longer valid.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "once relevant", ensure the context clearly indicates why the subject is no longer considered relevant. Providing specific details strengthens the statement.
Common error
Avoid using "once relevant" when the subject's relevance is ongoing or cyclical. Instead, choose phrases that reflect sustained or fluctuating importance.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "once relevant" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun by describing its state of relevance in the past. Ludwig examples show it qualifying various subjects, such as data, factors, and information.
Frequent in
Science
40%
News & Media
35%
Formal & Business
25%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "once relevant" is a common adjectival phrase used to describe something that was applicable or significant at a previous time but may no longer hold the same importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Common contexts include science, news, and formal business settings. To enhance clarity, specify the reason for the shift in relevance when using this phrase. Alternatives include "formerly applicable" or "previously significant".
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
formerly applicable
Replaces "once" with "formerly", indicating a previous time.
previously significant
Substitutes "relevant" with "significant", emphasizing importance.
formerly pertinent
Uses "pertinent" as a synonym for "relevant", adding a touch of formality.
at one time important
Expands the phrase to clarify the past importance.
in its day
An idiomatic expression suggesting something was relevant in the past.
bygone importance
Highlights the past nature of the relevance using "bygone".
outdated relevance
Implies the relevance has expired and is no longer current.
no longer applicable
Directly states the lack of current relevance.
once upon a time useful
Emphasizes the usefulness in the past with a storytelling tone.
historically significant
Focuses on the historical aspect of the relevance or significance.
FAQs
How can I use "once relevant" in a sentence?
You can use "once relevant" to describe something that was important or applicable in the past but is no longer so. For example, "The data was "once relevant", but it needs updating."
What are some alternatives to "once relevant"?
Alternatives include "formerly applicable", "previously significant", or "no longer applicable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it always clear when something is "once relevant"?
No, the point at which something transitions from relevant to "once relevant" can be subjective and context-dependent. Clear communication is essential to ensure the message is understood.
What is the difference between "once relevant" and "still relevant"?
"Once relevant" describes something that was important in the past but isn't now, while "still relevant" means something continues to be important or applicable.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested