Cool MateOnce
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.