this once

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this once" is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to denote an exception, as in "I usually don't like sweet foods, but I'll make an exception this once."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Goethe said this once.

The New York Times

But just this once".

The New York Times - Arts

Please resist, just this once.

The Economist

I'll let you, this once.

Independent

This once I might relent!

The New York Times - Arts

We did this once.

Princeton University

But Just This Once.

The New York Times

I did this once.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Doing all this once is fascinating.

The New York Times - Magazine

I did this once a month.

The New York Times

Just this once, something unexpected happened.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this once" to clearly indicate an exception to a rule or usual behavior. Ensure the context makes it clear what the exception is.

Common error

Avoid using "this once" too frequently, as it can undermine its effectiveness in emphasizing a genuine exception. If you find yourself using it often, consider if the 'exception' should become the new rule.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "this once" is to act as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that something is happening as an exception or on a single occasion. Ludwig provides many examples that show how it is used to specify a deviation from the norm. It highlights the singularity and potential non-recurrence of the action or event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this once" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote an exception or a singular occurrence. According to Ludwig, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Wiki contexts, with a neutral to informal register. While acceptable across various writing styles, overusing it can diminish its intended impact. Consider alternatives like "just this one time" or "for this single occasion" for variety. It's worth noting that Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase in written English, making it a reliable choice for expressing a one-time exception.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just this one time

Emphasizes the limited duration or allowance of the event, focusing on it happening only a single time.

only this time

Clearly limits the event to the present moment, implying no future occurrences.

one time only

Stresses the exclusivity of the event, conveying it won't be repeated.

for this single occasion

Highlights the specific event or instance where an exception is being made.

on this singular occasion

Similar to "for this single occasion", but with a slightly more formal tone.

as a one-off

Implies the event is unusual and not part of a regular pattern.

in this instance

Draws attention to the particular situation where a different rule or action applies.

for this particular case

Similar to "in this instance", but emphasizes the specific circumstances.

on this unique opportunity

Focuses on the special or rare nature of the event, suggesting it's not likely to happen again.

this solitary instance

Highlights that the event is isolated and not part of a series.

FAQs

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

You can use "this once" to indicate an exception to a rule or a unique situation. For example, "I usually don't eat dessert, but I'll have some cake "this once"."

What's a more formal alternative to "this once"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "on this occasion" or "in this instance" to convey a similar meaning of making an exception.

Is it grammatically correct to say "just this once"?

Yes, "just "just this once"" is a grammatically correct and common variation of "this once", often used to emphasize the singularity of the exception.

What’s the difference between "this once" and "this time"?

"This once" implies a unique exception that is unlikely to be repeated, while "this time" simply refers to the current occasion without necessarily implying it's an exception or unique.