was at one time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was at one time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was true or occurred in the past but may not be the case now. Example: "The building was at one time the tallest in the city before the new skyscraper was constructed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My dad's mom, who was at one time on the Canadian National Ski Team, ultimately starved herself to death.

Huffington Post

Morris was at one time a top political operative.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bridport was at one time the rope and net-making capital of the world.

The Guardian - Travel

Staying awake was at one time seen as an impressive test of human endurance.

The Guardian

Cyril Stein, who has died aged 82, was at one time Britain's biggest bookmaker.

The Guardian - Business

He was at one time believed to be hiding deep in the Sahara desert.

The Guardian

Her elder brother, David, was at one time a Guardian reporter.

The Guardian

She gave birth as a teenager and was, at one time, a "shake dancer in nightclubs".

The Guardian - Books

I have heard that the Carroll Gardens section of Brooklyn was at one time called Ponkiesburg.

The New York Times

Rogoff was at one time one of the country's most promising players.

The New York Times

Mr. Stone was at one time the leading exponent of the International Style.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was at one time" to clearly indicate a state or condition that existed in the past but is no longer true. This avoids ambiguity when discussing historical contexts or changes over time.

Common error

Avoid using "was at one time" when the state or condition still exists. This phrase is specifically for situations that have changed. If something is still true, use the present tense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was at one time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating when a state or condition existed. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct. The phrase serves to specify a past condition that is no longer current.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was at one time" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to denote a condition or state that existed in the past but is no longer true. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English writing. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and general informational writing, with a generally neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a change in status or condition to avoid confusing readers. Alternatives like "used to be" or "formerly was" can be used depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

used to be

Indicates a past state or habitual action; slightly more informal.

at one point was

Similar meaning, slightly different word order.

once was

Emphasizes a past occurrence or condition; often used for dramatic effect.

formerly was

More formal; suggests a change in status or position.

previously was

Similar to 'formerly was' but can also apply to actions or events.

in the past was

General reference to a past state without specific emphasis.

had been

Indicates a state that existed before another past event.

in earlier times was

More descriptive, emphasizing historical context.

back then was

Informal and emphasizes a specific time in the past.

in days gone by was

Poetic and nostalgic, referring to a more distant past.

FAQs

How do I use "was at one time" in a sentence?

Use "was at one time" to describe something that used to be true but isn't anymore. For example, "That building "was at one time" the tallest in the city."

What can I say instead of "was at one time"?

You can use alternatives like "used to be", "once was", or "formerly was" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "was at one time in the past"?

Yes, adding "in the past" is redundant because "was at one time" already implies a past state. It's best to avoid such repetition for clearer writing.

Which is more formal, "was at one time" or "used to be"?

"Was at one time" is generally considered more formal than "used to be". Opt for the former in professional or academic writing.