only this time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'only this time' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the particularity or uniqueness of a situation or occurrence. For example: "I've broken my diet many times before, but only this time did I feel guilty about it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only this time, I'll win.

The New York Times

Only this time, something different happened.

The New York Times

Only this time there was a twist.

The New York Times

Only this time, he would choose differently.

The New York Times

Verdi only this time, mostly "Otello".

The New York Times - Arts

Only this time, Fuld was not invited.

Independent

Only this time it's pro-European.

The New Yorker

Only this time, it's worse.

The New York Times

Only this time he didn't.

The Washington Post

Only this time, nobody was buying it.

The Washington Post

Only this time the price tripled.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only this time" to create a sense of dramatic irony or highlight a turning point in a narrative. It's effective when contrasting a present situation with a recurring past event.

Common error

Avoid using "only this time" when there's no clear contrast with a previous event or situation. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Ensure there is a clear antecedent to which "this time" is being compared.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only this time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a contrast with previous occurrences. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Examples show it highlighting a change in circumstances or outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only this time" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to emphasize a contrast or deviation from past events. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability, primarily within news and media contexts. When using "only this time", ensure there's a clear comparison to a previous situation to maximize its impact. Be mindful of overuse, and consider alternatives like "this time around" or "on this occasion" for variety. As the analysis shows, while generally neutral, tailoring your language to the specific context enhances clarity and effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this time however

Adds a sense of contrast, indicating a departure from the expected outcome.

this particular time

Adds emphasis to the uniqueness of the moment, focusing on its specific attributes.

differently this time

Focuses on the changed circumstances or approach.

this time around

Emphasizes the cyclical nature of events, suggesting a recurrence with a different outcome.

contrary to previous times

Explicitly contrasts the current situation with what has happened before.

but on this occasion

Replaces "only this time" with a more formal tone, suitable for written contexts.

on this one occasion

Highlights the singularity of the event, implying that it's unusual or noteworthy.

in this instance

Highlights a particular event or occurrence, making it distinct from others.

not like before

Emphasizes the alteration from a prior condition.

for once

Indicates a deviation from the norm, often implying a surprising or unexpected change.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "only this time" in a sentence?

Use "only this time" to draw a distinction between a current event and previous similar occurrences. It's most effective when highlighting a change in outcome or circumstance. For example, "He had failed many times, but "only this time" he succeeded".

What are some alternatives to "only this time"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "this time around", "on this occasion", or "differently this time" to express a similar meaning. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "only this time" considered formal or informal?

"Only this time" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal writing. However, in very formal contexts, alternatives like "on this particular occasion" might be more appropriate.

Can "only this time" be used at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, "Only this time" can be used at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis. For example, "Only this time, the outcome was different."