"as it used to be" vs "as it once was"

Question

"as it used to be" vs "as it once was"

Both phrases are correct and commonly used in English. They convey a similar meaning of referring to a past state or situation. The choice between them depends on personal preference or the specific context in which they are used.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

This phrase is used to describe how something was in the past, emphasizing a previous condition or state.

Examples:

The town isn't as lively as it used to be.
She doesn't visit as often as she used to be.
The house looks just as it used to be when we were kids.
Life isn't as simple as it used to be.
The company isn't as profitable as it used to be.

Alternatives:

as it once was
as it was before
as it was in the past
as it was previously
as it was back then

This phrase is used to describe how something was in the past, emphasizing a previous condition or state.

Examples:

The city is not as beautiful as it once was.
The garden doesn't bloom as it once was.
The restaurant isn't as popular as it once was.
The neighborhood isn't as safe as it once was.
The river isn't as clean as it once was.

Alternatives:

as it used to be
as it was before
as it was in the past
as it was previously
as it was back then

Answer 1

as it used to be

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to a past state or situation.

Answer 2

as it once was

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to a past state or situation.

"as it used to be" vs "as it once was"

as it used to be

as it once was

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