once
adverb
UK/wʌns/US/wʌns/
on one occasion, for a single time, or at some point in the past
Example Sentences
I only saw him once, but I remember he was very courteous.
Once, I took a spontaneous train trip that lasted for days instead of hours.
They only open the ancient temple gates once a year for the spring festival.
He was once a famous athlete before retiring due to injuries.
After trying that new recipe once, I’ve made it a family favorite.
Many people are surprised to learn I once lived in a remote village without electricity or running water.
You really should listen carefully the first time because I only want to explain this once.
Once in a great while, we discover a hidden gem of a restaurant purely by chance.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
conjunction
UK/wʌns/US/wʌns/
from the moment that something happens; as soon as
Example Sentences
Once you finish your homework, you can go out to play.
It’s much easier to communicate once everyone agrees on the project goals.
Once we had all the supplies, we started building the treehouse.
I’ll call you once I have an update from the doctor.
They discovered an alternative route once their GPS stopped working.
Once you get into a routine, exercising every day becomes much more manageable.
He finally relaxed once he realized the interview had gone well.
We’ll head out to the beach once the weather clears up.
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Synonyms
How to Use
Used to indicate one time or a single occasion.The word 'once' functions primarily as an adverb and a conjunction in the English language. As an adverb, it signifies that something happened one time or at one single occasion. For example, in the sentence 'I visited Paris once,' 'once' indicates that the visit occurred a single time. Additionally, 'once' can express former states or conditions, as in 'She was once a professional dancer,' implying that she held that status in the past. As a conjunction, 'once' is used to mean 'as soon as' or 'when,' linking two clauses in a sentence. For instance, 'Once you finish your homework, you can watch TV,' connects the completion of homework with the permission to watch TV. Understanding the placement of 'once' within a sentence is essential for conveying the correct meaning, whether referring to a single occurrence or establishing a temporal relationship between events. 'Once' can also be used in idiomatic expressions, such as 'once in a blue moon,' to indicate something that happens very rarely. Mastering the use of 'once' enhances both written and spoken communication by allowing for precise expression of time and frequency.
Alternatives
Alternative words and phrases to 'once' include 'one time,' 'a single occasion,' 'formerly,' 'previously,' 'at one time,' 'on one occasion,' 'at a time,' and 'sometime.' Each alternative carries its own nuances; for example, 'one time' and 'a single occasion' directly replace the frequency aspect, while 'formerly' and 'previously' emphasize past states or conditions. 'At one time' can be used similarly to 'once' when referring to past situations, and 'on one occasion' offers a more formal alternative. 'Sometime' may refer to an unspecified time in the past or future, depending on the context. Choosing the right alternative depends on the specific meaning you wish to convey—whether it's the frequency of an event, its occurrence in the past, or its relation to another event. Additionally, idiomatic expressions like 'once in a blue moon' or 'once bitten, twice shy' can add color and specificity to your language. Understanding these alternatives allows for more varied and precise expression in both writing and conversation, ensuring that the intended meaning is effectively communicated.
Writing
When writing, 'once' is a versatile word that can enhance your narrative by providing clarity about the frequency or timing of events. Use 'once' to indicate that something happened a single time, which can add emphasis and specificity to your descriptions. For example, 'She once lived in London' clearly states that her residency in London occurred at one point in the past. Additionally, 'once' can be employed to establish a temporal relationship between events, helping to structure your narrative logically. For instance, 'Once the project was completed, we celebrated' effectively links the completion of the project with the subsequent celebration. However, it's important to use 'once' judiciously to avoid redundancy or overemphasis. Varying your language with synonyms like 'formerly' or 'previously' can add depth and prevent repetition. Moreover, incorporating idiomatic expressions that include 'once' can make your writing more engaging and relatable, such as 'once in a lifetime opportunity.' Ensuring that 'once' is appropriately placed within your sentences will enhance the flow and coherence of your writing, making your arguments and stories more compelling and easier to follow. Overall, mastering the use of 'once' contributes to more precise and effective written communication.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversations, 'once' is commonly used to talk about something that happened a single time or to refer to past situations. Phrases like 'I went skydiving once,' 'Once upon a time, there was a brave knight,' or 'She was once my best friend' are typical examples where 'once' clarifies that the event or relationship occurred in the past and only happened one time. Using 'once' in casual settings helps to provide context and background information without delving into unnecessary details. It can also be used to emphasize a change from a previous state, such as 'He was once a talented musician, but now he focuses on painting.' Additionally, 'once' can be part of idiomatic expressions like 'once in a blue moon,' which means something that happens very rarely. Understanding how to use 'once' appropriately in casual dialogue ensures that your conversations are clear and that the timing or frequency of events is accurately conveyed. It allows you to share experiences and stories in a way that is both concise and informative, enhancing the natural flow of your interactions.
Etymology
The word 'once' originates from the Old English word 'anes,' which is the genitive singular form of 'ān,' meaning 'one.' It has Germanic roots, related to the Old High German 'einaz' and the Old Norse 'einn,' both meaning 'one.' Over time, 'anes' evolved into 'once' in Middle English, maintaining its core meaning related to 'one time' or 'a single occasion.' Historically, 'once' has been used both as an adverb and a conjunction, allowing it to convey not only frequency but also temporal relationships between events. Its usage has remained relatively stable throughout the history of the English language, consistently serving to denote singular occurrences and past states. Interestingly, 'once' is a fundamental word present in many Indo-European languages, reflecting its essential role in human communication about time and frequency. The word's evolution showcases the linguistic shift from Old English to Middle English, highlighting how core concepts like singularity and time are preserved even as language undergoes change. Understanding the etymology of 'once' provides insight into its enduring significance and versatility in both historical and modern contexts.