once reliable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "once reliable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that was dependable in the past but may no longer be so. Example: "The old computer was once reliable, but now it frequently crashes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

His defense, once reliable, has been suspect.

The New York Times - Sports

ABs are managers and professionals, who were once reliable Tory voters; Cs are various laborers.

The New York Times

To make matters worse, the once reliable Tim Cahill seems to have lost his touch.

The Guardian - Sport

Republicans were once reliable partners in this kind of necessary spending.

The New York Times

But a once reliable electricity grid is breaking down, forcing residents to set up noisy generators in their back gardens.

The Economist

But he is scoring largely against substitutes and rarely steps out to shoot one of his once reliable midrange jump shots.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Trying its best to pick-up the slack, the catalog world of reissues and compilations--once reliable income generators--unfortunately has had to cut back on releases significantly.

Huffington Post

First, because contributions from once-reliable sources have dwindled.

The Economist

They are finding that the once-reliable sources of profit from traditional drugs are suddenly drying up.

The Economist

In corners of Vermont, once-reliable well-water supplies have become intermittent in recent years, with homeowners blaming local developers or mining operations or a bottling operation.

The New York Times

There are a number of reasons this season has slipped away from the Mets: ill-timed hitting slumps, the collapse of a once-reliable bullpen.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "once reliable", clearly state what has changed that makes the subject no longer reliable to provide context for the shift.

Common error

Avoid using "once reliable" without clarifying the current state. Failing to mention the change can confuse readers who might assume the subject is still dependable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "once reliable" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase, describing a noun by indicating that it possessed the quality of reliability at some point in the past. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this structure is grammatically correct and suitable for a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "once reliable" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that indicates a shift from a state of reliability to one where that quality is no longer present. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. When using "once reliable", be sure to provide context for the change, avoid assuming ongoing reliability, and consider alternative phrases like "formerly dependable" or "previously trustworthy", as explained by Ludwig. Its primary function is to highlight this change, and its neutral register makes it a versatile choice for conveying this information effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formerly reliable

Similar to 'formerly dependable', but retains the original term for reliability.

formerly dependable

Emphasizes the past dependability with a formal tone, focusing on the shift in reliability.

previously dependable

Mirrors 'previously trustworthy' with the original term for dependability.

once dependable

A more straightforward way to express that something was dependable in the past.

previously trustworthy

Highlights the past trustworthiness, suitable when the emphasis is on integrity and honesty.

used to be dependable

A more straightforward and common way to express the past dependability.

reliable in the past

Highlights time frame, useful for indicating that something dependable in the past is not anymore.

in the past, reliable

Explicitly indicates the time frame when reliability was present.

what used to be reliable

Similar in usage but emphasizes more the current unreliability rather than the past dependability.

once a source of certainty

Broader, suggesting that the subject offered assurance or conviction in the past.

FAQs

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

You can use "once reliable" to describe something that used to be dependable but isn't anymore. For example, "The old car was "once reliable", but now it needs frequent repairs."

What's a good alternative to "once reliable"?

Alternatives include "formerly dependable", "previously trustworthy", or "used to be dependable". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always negative to say something was "once reliable"?

Generally, yes. Using "once reliable" implies a decline or change in dependability. It suggests that something that was previously a good source of support or trust is no longer so.

What makes something go from being reliable to "once reliable"?

Many factors can cause this shift, including age, damage, changing circumstances, or evolving standards. For instance, a "formerly dependable" internet provider may become less reliable due to increased user traffic or outdated infrastructure.