well for once

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "well for once" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a sense of satisfaction or approval about something happening for the first time or after a long time. Example: "Well for once, he actually showed up on time for the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Well, for once, the Bush Administration is saying, "Knock it off".

The New Yorker

Well, for once, I turn to a politician for an honest answer.

The Guardian - Music

Well, for once life has imitated a Judy and Mickey musical: "Squonk" opened last night at the Helen Hayes Theater on Broadway.

The New York Times

Well, for once they just made it really easy.

TechCrunch

Well for once, the key pushers of these murky instruments got their comeuppance.

Huffington Post

Well, for once, people railing against the leader of a western country for taking a vacation have a really good point.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Well, here for once we have smoking gun evidence of one piece of the high oil/gas price puzzle -- the impact of speculation.

Huffington Post

In a sign that could bode well for investment once the market settles down, many investors have flocked to safe havens like money market funds.

The New York Times

I did well for nuns once.

Huffington Post

So I was well-disposed, for once, towards France anyway, when we arrived on the Eurostar.

The Guardian - Travel

Argentina and Brazil are well-known for once welcoming large numbers of immigrants.

Comparative Migration Studies

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "well for once" to express mild surprise or satisfaction when something deviates from the norm in a positive way. It's often used as an introductory phrase to a statement.

Common error

Avoid using "well for once" in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound too conversational and detract from the seriousness of the tone. Instead, opt for phrases like "in this instance" or "on this occasion".

Linguistic Context

Well for once functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the following clause by expressing a sense of surprise or novelty. It sets the stage for a statement that deviates from the usual or expected situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in example sentences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "well for once" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to express mild surprise or satisfaction when a situation deviates positively from the norm. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. While not overly formal, it's appropriate for various contexts, with the most frequent being News & Media. Consider using alternative phrases such as "for a change" or "at least this time" depending on the desired tone and formality. Remember to avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for a change

Focuses solely on the novelty or difference from the usual, omitting the initial "well" for emphasis.

for once at least

Adds a degree of uncertainty or limitation to the observation.

this time at least

Shifts the focus to a specific instance, emphasizing the temporary nature of the situation.

on this occasion

Formal alternative, suitable for more serious or official contexts.

in this instance

Similar to "on this occasion" but slightly less formal.

for this single time

Emphasizes the singularity and potential lack of repetition.

if only for once

Expresses a desire or hope that something happens at least one time.

for just this once

Implies a reluctance to repeat the action or occurrence.

at least this once

Highlights that something is true or happening at least in this particular case.

in this one instance

Focuses very narrowly on a single occurrence, possibly contrasting it with others.

FAQs

How can I use "well for once" in a sentence?

You can use "well for once" to express surprise or satisfaction when something deviates from the norm positively. For example, "Well for once, the meeting started on time".

What does "well for once" imply?

The phrase "well for once" implies that a situation is unusual or unexpected, deviating from a typical pattern. It suggests a sense of novelty or a change from the ordinary.

What are some alternatives to saying "well for once"?

Alternatives include phrases like "for a change", "at least this time", or "on this occasion", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "for once well" instead of "well for once"?

While "for once well" might be grammatically understandable in some contexts, it's not a standard or commonly used phrase. "Well for once" is the more idiomatic and accepted expression.