Nota: La traducción de esta entrada está actualmente en revisión de calidad, por lo que parte del contenido se muestra temporalmente solo en inglés.
Esta entrada aún no se ha traducido a tu idioma, así que se muestra el original a continuación.
once
When used as an adverb to describe a past state, this word carries a strong sense of nostalgia or finality, implying that the condition is permanently over. It contrasts with "formerly" by feeling more narrative and less clinical, often introducing a story about a lost identity or a vanished era.
As a conjunction, it functions as a temporal trigger, emphasizing that the second action is strictly dependent on the completion of the first. It is more immediate and decisive than "when," suggesting a specific turning point or a prerequisite that must be met before progress can occur.
Meanings
Examples
We were once best friends in elementary school.
We were once best friends in elementary school.
Once you sign the contract, there is no turning back.
Once the signal turns green, you can start the car.