once used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'once used' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that has already happened in the past, or to emphasize the fact that something has been used. For example: "The building was once used as a public library, but now it has been converted into a cafe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He once used a controversial egg contraption?

The New Yorker

A pill bottle once used by Elvis Presley?

Independent

She never once used the words "vocabulary," "knowledge" or "analysis".

The New York Times

Revealingly, Wolfe admits she has never once used Tinder.

The Guardian - Tech

Applicants sit on a bench once used at Ellis Island.

The New York Times

During Iran-Contra, he had once used the pseudonym Kenilworth.

The New Yorker

I once used two gallons to travel 35 miles.

The New York Times

But once used, force also restores the power of deterrence.

The New York Times

Any new tool, once used promiscuously, becomes a cliché.

The New Yorker

She'd once used Napster to download 26 songs.

The Guardian - Music

Chumash Indians once used the tar to seal their canoes.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing past conditions or states that are no longer current, use "once used" to clearly indicate a change over time. For example, "This area, once used for agriculture, is now a thriving urban center."

Common error

Avoid shifting tense when using "once used". Ensure the surrounding text maintains a consistent past tense to prevent confusion. For example, instead of "The tool once used to be effective, but now it is obsolete", use "The tool was once used and was effective, but now it is obsolete".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "once used" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating that something was utilized or employed at a previous time. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples where it describes past states or functions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "once used" is a versatile verb phrase that effectively conveys past usage or function. As verified by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While subtle differences exist between "once used" and alternatives like "formerly employed" or "previously utilized", understanding these nuances enhances writing precision. Remember to maintain consistent tense and choose the most appropriate synonym based on the context. The examples provided by Ludwig underscore its function in establishing historical context and highlighting transformations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at one time used

Adds the phrase "at one time" to clarify that the usage occurred in the past.

previously utilized

Replaces "used" with "utilized", indicating a more formal or technical tone.

formerly employed

Substitutes "used" with "employed", suggesting a previous application or service.

had been used

Uses the past perfect tense to emphasize the completion of the usage before a specific point in time.

in the past applied

Rephrases the expression, emphasizing the application of something in a past time.

was formerly in use

Changes the structure to emphasize the state of being in use rather than the action of using.

has been utilized before

Uses the present perfect tense to emphasize the impact or relevance of the prior use to the present.

was at some point used

Introduces vagueness about the exact time of use with the phrase "at some point".

historically employed

Implies a long-standing tradition or pattern of previous use.

erstwhile used

Uses the archaic term "erstwhile" to indicate something from a former time, adding a sense of antiquity.

FAQs

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

Use "once used" to indicate that something was employed or utilized in the past but is not currently in use. For example: "The building was "once used" as a factory, but now it's an apartment complex."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "once used"?

You can use alternatives such as "previously utilized", "formerly employed", or "at one time used" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "used once" instead of "once used"?

While "used once" can be grammatically correct in some contexts, it emphasizes the act of using something one time. "Once used" emphasizes the past state or function. For example: "The key was "used once" to open the door" (emphasis on the single action) vs. "The warehouse was "once used" to repair submarines" (emphasis on the former function).

What's the difference between "once used" and "formerly used"?

"Once used" indicates a past usage without necessarily implying a specific duration. "Formerly used", such as "previously utilized", suggests a more extended period of prior usage. For example: "The path was "once used" by travelers" vs. "The path was "formerly used" as a major trade route."