once there was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "once there was" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in storytelling or narratives to introduce a tale or fable, often implying a sense of nostalgia or fantasy. Example: "Once there was a small village nestled in the mountains, where the people lived in harmony with nature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Once there was normcore.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For once there was little blathering.

The Economist

For once there was no hyperbole.

The Economist

Tonight, for once, there was.

The New York Times - Sports

Once there was blatant corruption.

The Guardian - Sport

Once there was a dog I loved.

The New Yorker

Once there was jazz and blues.

The New York Times

ONCE, there was the smoke-filled room.

The New York Times

For once there was a long pause.

The Guardian

One went: "Once there was a Negro.

The New York Times - Books

For once, there was something to this.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "once there was" to introduce a narrative or historical context, especially when setting the scene for a story or explaining a past situation.

Common error

Avoid starting formal reports or academic papers with "once there was". Opt for more direct and professional phrasing like "previously" or "formerly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "once there was" primarily functions as an introductory element in narratives, setting the scene or context for a story or historical account. It is supported by Ludwig AI, which states the phrase is used in storytelling. Many examples from Ludwig show this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "once there was" is a versatile phrase primarily used to introduce narratives and historical contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness and common use in storytelling. While it's grammatically correct and widely found in various sources, including news and academia, its formality depends on the context. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "formerly there existed" or "in the past there was". Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its acceptability and relevance in diverse forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there used to be

Highlights a past condition that is no longer true.

at one time there was

Stresses a particular instance in the past.

in the past there was

Focuses on a specific period of time.

there was a time when

Introduces a past period or situation.

formerly there existed

Emphasizes a previous existence, often more formal.

in previous times there was

Emphasizes a condition during a prior era.

earlier there had been

Highlights that something was there before, typically more emphatic.

it happened that there was

Introduces a situation that occurred.

in bygone days there was

Evokes a sense of nostalgia or antiquity.

once upon a time there was

Classic fairy tale opening, more whimsical.

FAQs

How can I use "once there was" in a sentence?

"Once there was" is typically used to introduce a story or a past state. For example, "Once there was a kingdom by the sea" sets the stage for a narrative.

What's the difference between "there used to be" and "once there was"?

"Once there was" often implies a story or a tale, while "there used to be" simply indicates a past condition that is no longer true.

Is it appropriate to use "once there was" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "once there was" is generally too informal for academic writing. Consider using phrases like "previously there existed" or "in the past there was" for a more formal tone.

What can I say instead of "once there was" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "formerly there existed" or "in the past there was".