I once was vs Once I was

Both "I once was" and "Once I was" are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. "I once was" is used to emphasize the past action or state of being, while "Once I was" is used to introduce a past event or situation. The choice between the two depends on the emphasis you want to give in your sentence.

Last updated: March 21, 2024 • 3005 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to emphasize a past action or state of being.

"I once was"

This phrase is used to emphasize a specific past action or state of being. It is often followed by additional information about the past event.

Examples:

I once was a great dancer, but now I can barely move.
I once was a student at that school, many years ago.
I once was in love with her, but things have changed.
I once was a vegetarian, but now I eat meat.
I once was a member of that club, but I resigned.

Show examples from the web [+]

On Books and Literature, a GameFAQs message board topic titled "Need help with some grammar, I once was or I was once? Which is correct?".
I once was a child am a child am someone's child. ... Victoria Chang, "I Once Was a Child" from The Boss. Copyright © 2013 by Victoria Chang.

Alternatives:

I used to be
I was once
There was a time when I was

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to introduce a past event or situation.

"Once I was"

This phrase is used to introduce a past event or situation. It is often followed by a description or explanation of the past event.

Examples:

Once I was a child, I used to play in this park.
Once I was a student at that university, I had many friends.
Once I was in Paris, I visited the Eiffel Tower.
Once I was a vegetarian, I never ate meat.
Once I was a member of that team, we won many games.

Show examples from the web [+]

Feb 7, 2010 ... Tim Buckley - Once I Was. SpaceOdyssee0. SubscribeSubscribedUnsubscribe 7,9797K. Loading... Loading... Working... Add to ...
May 6, 2011 ... Tim Buckley - Once I Was (HQ). Steenbreek. SubscribeSubscribedUnsubscribe 6060. Loading... Loading... Working... Add to ...
Once I was seven years old, my mamma told me. Go make yourself some friends or you'll be lonely. Once I was seven years old. It was a big big world, but we ...
Once I was a soldier. And I fought on foreign sands for you. Once I was a hunter. And I brought home fresh meat for you. Once I was a lover. And I searched ...

Alternatives:

I was once
There was a time when I was
In the past, I was

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I once was vs Once I was

"I once was"

"Once I was"

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