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once · adverb /wĘŚnts/Full view
once (ONE TIME)
A2 one single time
Dictionary examples:

I went sailing once, but I didn't like it.

I go swimming once a week.

We have lunch together once a month.

Once a year we all get together.

Learner example:

I can write to him once a week. (Key English Test; A2; Chinese)

once (PAST)
B1 in the past, but not now
Dictionary examples:

This house once belonged to my grandfather.

Computers are much cheaper nowadays than they once were.

Learner example:

I once went to England and I love the style of the clothes and how people dress there! (Preliminary English Test; B1; German)

once again
B1 again
Dictionary example:

Once again I'm left with all the washing-up!

Learner example:

Once again I'm sorry. (Preliminary English Test; B1; French)

once more
B1 one more time
Dictionary example:

I'd like to visit the colleges once more before we leave.

Learner example:

On Friday I will see him once more. (Preliminary English Test; B1; German)

at once
B1 immediately
Dictionary example:

I knew at once that I'd like it here.

Learner example:

She called for an ambulance which came at once. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Portuguese)

once upon a time
B1 used at the beginning of a story to mean a long time ago
Dictionary example:

Once upon a time there was a beautiful princess.

Learner example:

Once upon a time there was a very poor family. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Swiss German)

at once
C1 at the same time
Dictionary example:

They all started talking at once.

Learner example:

The study centre is really small and all the students talk at once. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Catalan)

for once
B2 used to mean that something is happening that does not usually happen
Dictionary example:

For once, the bus came on time.

Learner example:

We would take lots of pictures, and play our own instruments, and if we get lucky enough, we would even touch the very stones and for once be embraced by magic itself. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

(every) once in a while
B2 sometimes but not often
Dictionary example:

We do go to the beach once in a while.

Learner example:

She did not say very much except for "oh" and "yes, yes" every once in a while. (First Certificate in English; B2; Dutch)

all at once
C1 suddenly
Dictionary example:

All at once he stood up and walked out of the room.

Learner example:

All at once, everything started to work again. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Italian)

once and for all
C2 completely and finally
Dictionary example:

Let's get to the bottom of this matter once and for all!

Learner example:

Now I was sure that my wife had left me once and for all. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

once · conjunction /wĘŚnts/
once
B2 as soon as
Dictionary examples:

Once I've found somewhere to live I'll send you my address.

Remember that you won't be able to cancel the contract once you've signed.

Learner example:

I'll write back soon once I know exactly when I can visit you. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

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