A1adverb1K

Once

UK /["/wʌns/"]/US /["/wʌns/"]/

Definition

on one occasion only; one time

In simple words: one time

Examples

  • Once I finished my homework, I went out to play.
  • She only visited Paris once during her life.
  • Once the cake is baked, let it cool for 10 minutes.
  • The movie was so amazing that I want to watch it once more.
  • He was once a famous actor before retiring.

Usage notes

Use 'once' to refer to something happening a single time in the past. It's neutral and often used in storytelling. It wouldn't be appropriate in highly formal writing.

Grammar pattern

once + past tense verb

Memory hint

Think of 'once upon a time' — a story only told one time.

Collocations

  • once a week
  • once in a lifetime
  • once again
  • once more

Synonyms

  • simultaneously
  • simultaneously

Antonyms

  • never

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'once' for 'twice' or other frequencies.
  • Using 'once' with present tense when referring to past events.