once
I've only seen that movie once.
The speaker has watched the movie a single time.
one time
She called me once yesterday.
She made a single phone call to me yesterday.
Once is enough for me.
I only need to experience something one time.
Often used to indicate a single occurrence or a single attempt.
at some point in the past or future
I'll visit you once I finish my work.
I will go to see you after completing my tasks.
Once upon a time, there was a kingdom.
In the past, there existed a kingdom.
Used to introduce a narrative or to refer to an unspecified time in the past or future.
Collocations
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Conditional Use
'Once' can be used in conditional sentences to refer to a future time, e.g., 'Once you finish, we can leave.'
Gold Rule
Single Occurrence
'Once' typically refers to a single occurrence or a single attempt.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'ones', from Old English 'ān', meaning 'one'. The adverbial use developed in Middle English.
Usage Notes
'Once' can refer to a single occurrence or an unspecified time. It is often used in conditional sentences to indicate a future time when something will happen.