once there were

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "once there were" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in storytelling or narrative contexts to introduce a past situation or event, often in fairy tales or folklore. Example: "Once there were three little pigs who built their houses out of straw, sticks, and bricks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Once there were scores.

The New York Times

Once, there were more than 500.

The New York Times

For once, there were no cameras rolling.

The Guardian

Once, there were 500 animals on exhibition.

The New York Times

Once there were others, of course.

The New York Times

Where once there were pub japes, there are now spreadsheets.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We have possession-exchangers where once there were dockyard brawls?

The Guardian - Sport

"Once there were eight Swedes here," he added.

The New York Times

For once, there were plenty of possible picks.

The Guardian

Once there were twelve such railways; now the N.Y.

The New Yorker

But once there were a few installed, the crowds followed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "once there were" to introduce a nostalgic or contrasting element when describing past conditions that have changed. This phrase is particularly effective in storytelling or when emphasizing a significant shift over time.

Common error

Avoid using "once there were" in contexts that require factual or direct historical statements. Opt for phrases like "previously there were" or "formerly there were" for a more neutral tone in academic or formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "once there were" functions as an adverbial phrase, setting a temporal context and introducing a state of being that existed in the past. It often implies a contrast with the present. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples illustrating past situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "once there were" is a versatile phrase for introducing past conditions, particularly when contrasting them with the present. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news and media. While it effectively sets a narrative or nostalgic tone, it's best to reserve it for contexts where a more formal or direct statement isn't required. Alternatives like "there used to be" or "formerly there were" may be more suitable in those situations. Remember to use "once there was" for singular subjects and "once there were" for plural subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there used to be

Focuses on habitual past existence, differing from the single-point-in-time implication of "once".

formerly there were

Emphasizes a previous state or condition that no longer exists.

in the past there were

Directly indicates a condition in the past, lacking the storytelling nuance of "once".

previously there were

Similar to 'formerly' but emphasizes the temporal sequence.

at one time there existed

More formal and emphatic, highlighting the existence of something in the past.

earlier there had been

Highlights a condition before a specific event or time.

in bygone days there were

Evokes a sense of nostalgia and a more distant past.

in earlier times there were

Similar to 'in bygone days' but less poetic.

there had been a time when

Suggests a specific period in the past with a different condition.

it was once the case that there were

A more verbose and formal way of indicating a past condition.

FAQs

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

Use "once there were" to introduce a situation or quantity that existed in the past but is no longer present. For example, "Once there were vast forests where now there are only fields."

What's a good alternative to "once there were"?

Alternatives include "there used to be", "formerly there were", or "in the past there were". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it grammatically correct to say "once there was" instead of "once there were"?

Yes, "once there was" is grammatically correct when referring to a singular subject, while "once there were" is used for plural subjects. For example, "Once there was a king..." versus "Once there were three bears...".

How does "once there were" differ from "once upon a time"?

"Once upon a time" is primarily used to begin fairy tales or fictional stories, while "once there were" can be used in both fictional and non-fictional contexts to introduce a past state or condition. Both suggest something from the past but serve different narrative functions.