once

Everyday

1. Once means one time. tree →
2. Once means at some time in the past: «Once there was a king». tree →
3. Once can also mean «as soon as»: «Once you finish, you can play». tree →
4. «At once» means now, right away, or at the same time. tree →
5. (casual) «For once» means this time, unlike usual, often with a complaint: «Be on time for once!» tree →
6. (casual, UK, Ireland) «The once» means one time only: «I only did it the once.» tree →
7. (formal) «Upon» and «subsequent to» replace «once» in stiff writing: «Upon completion of the task…» tree →
8. «Once-over» (informal) is a quick look: «give it the once-over». tree →

In the lessons

In maths: one time; «once a week» gives a rate; «once she had…» starts a step. In everyday life: «once a day», «once in a while», «just this once». In stories: «Once upon a time» begins fairy tales. In science: «once the water boils» marks a step. In casual talk: «for once», «once and for all». In the exam voice: «upon reaching», «on a single occasion». Phrases: «once more», «once again», «all at once», «once in a blue moon» (very rarely), «once and for all».

Examples

• She visits her grandma once a week. tree →
• He ran around the track once. tree →
• Once he had 10 stamps, he stopped. tree →
• Once upon a time there lived a little fox. tree →
• Come here at once! tree →
• Once the ice melts, the water level rises. tree →
• I have been to London once. tree →
• Just this once, you can stay up late. tree →
• tidy your room for once, it's a tip (casual, annoyed) tree →
• I only went the once, honest (casual, UK) tree →
• Shut up and listen for once in your life. (rough) tree →
• A pupil visits the library on a single occasion per week; determine the number of visits over a period of 9 weeks. (formal exam) tree →
• Go and behead him at once. tree →

Note

«Once» = 1 time; «once a week» is a rate (1 per week). Trap: «twice» = 2 times, «once» = 1, not zero. Sounds like «wunce». «At once» can mean «immediately» or «all together», so read the sentence. «Once more» means one more time. «For once» is usually a complaint, not a count. «Once in a blue moon» = very rarely, not a number. Formal «on a single occasion» = once.

In Jewish tradition

In maths: one time; «once a week» gives a rate; «once she had…» starts a step. In everyday life: «once a day», «once in a while», «just this once». In stories: «Once upon a time» begins fairy tales. In science: «once the water boils» marks a step. In casual talk: «for once», «once and for all». In the exam voice: «upon reaching», «on a single occasion». Phrases: «once more», «once again», «all at once», «once in a blue moon» (very rarely), «once and for all».

Examples

• And he said: 'Oh, let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once. (Torah GEN.18.32, JPS 1917) tree →
• And Caleb stilled the people toward Moses, and said: 'We should go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.' (Torah NUM.13.30, JPS 1917) tree →
• Now therefore forgive, I pray thee, my sin only this once, and entreat the LORD your God, that He may take away from me this death only.' (Torah EXO.10.17, JPS 1917) tree →
• Is a nation brought forth at once? (Prophets ISA.66.8, JPS 1917) tree →
• God hath spoken once, twice have I heard this: that strength belongeth unto God; (Writings PSA.62.12, JPS 1917) tree →
• Once have I sworn by My holiness: Surely I will not be false unto David; (Writings PSA.89.36, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

«Once» = 1 time; «once a week» is a rate (1 per week). Trap: «twice» = 2 times, «once» = 1, not zero. Sounds like «wunce». «At once» can mean «immediately» or «all together», so read the sentence. «Once more» means one more time. «For once» is usually a complaint, not a count. «Once in a blue moon» = very rarely, not a number. Formal «on a single occasion» = once.