the only time

USAGE SUMMARY

"the only time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that something happens or existed for a short duration or one specific point in time. For example: "The only time I tasted escargot was at my cousin's wedding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Lifestyle

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But that's the only time.

The New York Times - Sports

This was the only time I acquiesced".

The New York Times - Arts

"But that was probably the only time".

The New Yorker

That's the only time".

The New Yorker

It was the only time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's the only time he stumbles.

The Guardian - Business

It was the only time I cried.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's the only time he was stretched.

The Guardian - Sport

That's the only time I've been unconscious.

The New York Times

It's the only time you meet.

The New York Times - Books

JG : The only time it's happened.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the only time" to clearly indicate a unique occurrence or situation, avoiding ambiguity by specifying the context in which it applies.

Common error

Avoid using "the only time" without providing sufficient context, as it can leave the reader wondering what specific instance is being referred to. Always ensure the sentence clearly explains the unique situation or event.

Linguistic Context

"The only time" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifying a particular instance or occasion. Ludwig examples show it's used to single out a unique event from past experiences, as affirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

10%

Lifestyle

6%

Less common in

Sports

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"The only time" is a frequently used phrase to emphasize the uniqueness or singularity of an event, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Grammatically correct and versatile, it fits well in neutral contexts across various forms of media, from news articles to lifestyle content. While the phrase is generally acceptable, it’s important to provide clear context to prevent ambiguity. Alternatives like "the sole occasion" or "just once" can offer similar meanings, although "the only time" remains a common choice. Remember to specify the situation for best communication and avoid overuse without proper context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the sole occasion

Replaces "only" with "sole", emphasizing uniqueness.

the one time

Uses "one" instead of "only" to highlight the singularity of the event.

the single instance

Emphasizes the individual occurrence using "single instance".

just once

Simplifies the expression to indicate a single occurrence.

a unique moment

Highlights the special nature of the single occurrence.

the solitary instance

Uses "solitary" to stress the isolated nature of the event.

the singular event

Focuses on the distinct nature of the single event.

on one occasion only

Adds "only" for emphasis and reorders the words.

but once

A more concise way of indicating a single occurrence.

the exclusive instance

Indicates that the event happened in isolation.

FAQs

How can I use "the only time" in a sentence?

Use "the only time" to specify a unique occurrence or situation. For instance, "That was "the only time" I visited that city" indicates a single visit.

What are some alternatives to "the only time"?

Alternatives include "the sole occasion", "just once", or "a unique moment" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify the context when using "the only time"?

Yes, providing context is crucial for clarity. Without it, the reader may not understand what specific event or situation you're referring to. For example, instead of saying "That's "the only time"", specify what happened: "That's "the only time" I've seen him smile".

What's the difference between "the only time" and "the first time"?

"The only time" emphasizes that something happened once and never again, whereas "the first time" simply indicates the initial occurrence, implying it may happen again. For example, "The only time I saw snow was in 2010" versus "The first time I saw snow, I was amazed".