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"once upon a time" vs "in a long ago time"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Once upon a time' is a traditional opening for fairy tales, while 'in a long ago time' is a more poetic and less common way to refer to a distant past.

Last Updated: March 08, 2024

once upon a time

This phrase is a traditional opening for fairy tales and is widely recognized. It sets the stage for a story.

'Once upon a time' is used as a traditional opening for fairy tales to indicate that the story is set in an unspecified time in the past.

Alternatives:

  • long ago
  • in a faraway land
  • in ancient times
  • in a distant past
  • in days of yore

in a long ago time

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in modern English. It has a poetic and nostalgic tone.

This phrase is used to refer to a distant past in a poetic or nostalgic way. It is not as commonly used as 'once upon a time.'

Alternatives:

  • long ago
  • in the distant past
  • in ancient times
  • in days of yore
  • in times long past

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