once too often

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "once too often" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something has happened repeatedly, and the speaker has reached a limit or point of frustration. Example: "He has made that mistake once too often, and now I can no longer trust him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You have watched "Tootsie" once too often.

The New York Times

She had said it once too often.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But you can meet your favorite characters once too often.

The New York Times - Books

"We have turned the cheek once too often," says one.

The Guardian - Film

Once too often, he has said his piece.

The New York Times

Quill.com is cautious about going to the well once too often.

The New York Times

We have been shocked by this kind of outrageous and insolent mockery once too often.

Independent

Sadly, if it's on the list, it has probably appeared once too often.

Independent

It is as if le Carre had crossed this ground once too often.

The New York Times - Books

He was disillusioned with television, he'd been reprimanded once too often, he was in grief.

The Guardian - Books

The big man may have demanded the ball once too often.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "once too often" to express frustration or a limit being reached due to repeated actions. For example, "He has lied "once too often", and now no one believes him."

Common error

Avoid using "once too often" when you simply mean something happened a second time. The phrase implies a pattern of repeated behavior that has finally become unacceptable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "once too often" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate frequency and a limit being exceeded. It adds emphasis to the idea that a particular action has been repeated to an intolerable degree. As Ludwig AI explains, it signifies something happening so repeatedly that it has become unacceptable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "once too often" is a very common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to express that something has happened repeatedly to the point of being unacceptable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, though most frequently found in news and media. When writing, remember that it implies a pattern of repeated behavior, not just a single occurrence. Consider alternatives like "one time too many" or "too many times" for variety, but understand that "once too often" is a well-established idiom.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one time too many

Replaces "once" with "one time", emphasizing a specific instance exceeding the limit.

too many times

Simplifies the structure while retaining the core meaning of excessive repetition.

more than is acceptable

Uses a more descriptive and formal tone to convey the exceeding of a limit.

beyond what is tolerable

Focuses on the exceeded limit of tolerance or endurance.

past the breaking point

Implies that continued repetition will lead to a collapse or failure.

over the line

Suggests a transgression or violation of established boundaries.

gone too far

Indicates that an action or behavior has exceeded acceptable limits.

had enough

Expresses a feeling of being overwhelmed or reaching a saturation point.

at the end of my rope

Conveys a sense of desperation and inability to handle further repetition.

pushed too hard

Implies excessive pressure or insistence leading to negative consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "once too often" in a sentence?

The phrase "once too often" is used to indicate that something has happened repeatedly to the point of being unacceptable. For example, "She had complained about the noise "once too often", and the landlord finally evicted her."

What's a similar phrase to "once too often"?

Alternatives to "once too often" include "one time too many", "too many times", or "more than is acceptable" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "one too often" instead of "once too often"?

While "one too often" might be understood, ""once too often"" is the idiomatic and generally preferred phrase.

What does it mean when someone says they've "heard that story once too often"?

It means they are tired of hearing the story and don't want to hear it again. The repetition has become tiresome or irritating.