which is once

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which is once" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to refer to a singular occurrence or event, but it lacks context to be effectively used. Example: "The event, which is once a year, attracts many visitors."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Which is, once again, plummeting.There is an obvious element of Catch-22 to all this.

The Economist

Wales travel to Twickenham as favourites about as often as they prevail there, which is once in a blue moon.

Independent

The action helped to topple a government then controlled by the PPP, which is once again in power.

The Guardian

But you can hear its influence today as a heartbeat of the diverse sounds of a Brazil which is once again seized by a sense of optimism.

Independent

If you have capital and courage, the markets are packed with opportunities as they well understand at Goldman Sachs, which is once again filling its boots with risk.

The Economist

And then on top of this you have the other problem, which is once you start doing fiscal stimulus it's really hard to stop.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Animals which were once hated are now protected and cherished.

The Guardian

Business, which was once solidly against controlling carbon emissions, is now divided.

The Economist

It's a change for Apple, which was once criticized for its micromanaging of the App Store.

The New York Times

Thandwe is in Rakhine state, in western Myanmar, which was once an independent kingdom called Arakan.

The Economist

He was referring to Mississippi State Prison, which was once the notoriously violent Parchman prison farm.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "which is once" in formal writing. Instead, opt for clearer and more grammatically correct alternatives like "that occurs once" or "that happens one time".

Common error

A common mistake is to use "which is once" when attempting to describe the frequency or uniqueness of an event. Ensure the relative clause correctly specifies the event's characteristic using precise language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which is once" functions as an attempt to create a relative clause, aiming to provide additional information about a noun or event. However, as Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is grammatically incorrect and lacks a clear meaning. It's intended to specify a singular occurrence but fails to do so effectively.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which is once" is grammatically incorrect and ineffective in conveying its intended meaning of a singular occurrence. Ludwig AI analysis confirms this, emphasizing the need for alternative phrasings. To accurately express the idea of something happening only one time, consider using phrases like "that occurs once" or "that happens one time". Avoid using "which is once" in any formal context to maintain clarity and grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that happens one time

Replaces "which is once" with a more explicit and grammatically correct description of a singular occurrence.

that occurs once

Similar to the previous option, this offers a clearer and more standard phrasing for a single event.

that takes place one time

This phrase provides a more formal way to describe a singular event.

that is a one-time event

Emphasizes the singularity of the event, using a common adjectival phrase.

that happens on one occasion

Rephrases the concept using "occasion" to highlight the unique instance.

which occurs infrequently

Shifts the focus to the rarity of the occurrence rather than a specific instance.

that is a rare occurrence

Focuses on the infrequency and unusual nature of the event.

which is unique

Highlights the distinct and unparalleled aspect of the event.

that is unparalleled

Emphasizes the unprecedented nature of the event, indicating it has no equal.

that is exceptional

Focuses on the outstanding and unusual quality of the event.

FAQs

How can I express the meaning of "which is once" correctly?

Instead of "which is once", use phrases like "that occurs once", "that happens one time", or "that is a one-time event" to convey the intended meaning with grammatical accuracy.

What are some alternatives to describe something that only happens a single time?

You can use alternatives such as "that happens one time", "that occurs once", or "that is a one-time event" depending on the context.

Is "which is once" grammatically correct?

No, "which is once" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use more explicit and accurate phrasing to describe a single occurrence.

What is the difference between "which is once" and "which occurs once"?

While "which is once" is grammatically incorrect and unclear, "which occurs once" is a grammatically sound way to describe something that happens only one time. The latter uses correct syntax to convey the meaning.