once sent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "once sent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that has been dispatched or transmitted at a previous time. Example: "Once sent, the email cannot be retrieved or altered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They once sent me a bomb.

The New York Times - Science

A bank once sent Mrs T a credit card.

Independent

They once sent him to New York, his first and only time.

The New Yorker

3) Andy Richter once sent me a lock of his hair.

The New Yorker

He once sent her a text saying he "hoped she got raped".

Independent

Coughlin once sent Stevens a congratulatory note after one of the team's Final Four appearances.

The New York Times - Sports

I once sent a letter to the magazine recommending an improvement to football video games.

The New Yorker

This refers to the shift of what was once sent by physical mail to other media.

The Economist

She once sent me to live with my aunt in Connecticut.

The New Yorker

He's the guy who once sent a dead fish to a political opponent.

The New York Times

He once sent her a photo of himself grinning beside George R. R. Martin, its author.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "once sent", ensure the context clearly indicates what was sent and the implications following the dispatch. For instance, "Once sent, the application cannot be edited" clearly states the action and its consequence.

Common error

Ensure that the subject of the sentence is clearly defined. Avoid sentences like "Once sent, it was too late," which lacks clarity about what "it" refers to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "once sent" functions as an adverbial clause or phrase, modifying the main clause by indicating the timing or condition under which the main action occurs. Ludwig confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "once sent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that introduces a condition or time marker, mostly in News & Media. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correctly employed to indicate that a subsequent action or state is contingent on the act of sending. To enhance clarity, ensure the subject of the sentence is easily understood, and be careful in avoiding ambiguity. Alternative phrases exist and are appropriate for subtle shifts in meaning or emphasis. The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal writing, though its register is generally neutral.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon being dispatched

Emphasizes the moment of dispatch as a condition.

after transmission

Highlights the completion of the transmission process.

following its dispatch

Adds a formal tone, emphasizing the order of events.

subsequent to sending

Implies a time sequence after the action of sending.

after having been mailed

Specifically refers to postal delivery.

on being forwarded

Highlights the action of forwarding.

when transmitted

Focuses on the point of transmission.

after it was dispatched

Highlights a post action being undertaken.

prior to receiving

Highlights the action of receiving.

previously dispatched

Focuses on that something was sent at some point in the past.

FAQs

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

Use "once sent" to indicate that an action or process is initiated by sending something. For example, "Once sent, the payment is processed automatically".

What are some alternatives to "once sent"?

You can use alternatives like "after being dispatched", "following transmission", or "upon dispatch" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "once sent" or "after sent"?

"Once sent" is the correct phrase. "After sent" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "after sending" or "after it was sent".

What's the difference between "once sent" and "previously sent"?

"Once sent" emphasizes the point of sending as a condition for a subsequent action. "Previously sent" simply indicates that something was sent at an earlier time, without necessarily implying a direct consequence.