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once a while vs once in a while

The correct phrase is 'once in a while.' 'Once in a while' is a common English expression used to mean occasionally or from time to time.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 5844 views

once a while

This phrase is incorrect in English. The correct phrase uses 'in' instead of 'a.'

'Once in a while' is the correct phrase to use when referring to something that happens occasionally or from time to time.
  • see definition of once a while. Font size. X. Aa. Aa. Aa. Aa. Aa. show. all, adverb. as in once in a while; as in now and then; as in occasionally; as in off and on ...
  • every once a while. star. see definition of every once a while. Font size. X. Aa. Aa. Aa. Aa. Aa. show. all, adjective, adverb. as in now and then; as in off and on ...
  • ... Random House, Inc. 2015. Cite This Source. British Dictionary definitions for once a while ... Cite This Source. Idioms and Phrases with once a while. Expand  ...
  • I was a farmer once; a once powerful nation. 2. a single time: We ate there just once. We go to a movie once a week. 3. even a single time; at any time; ever:.

Alternatives:

  • occasionally
  • from time to time
  • now and then
  • every so often
  • at times

once in a while

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to mean occasionally or from time to time.

'Once in a while' is a common English expression that means something happens occasionally or at intervals.
  • But maybe you could go to your place once in a while.
  • She picked him up once in a while.
  • But once in a while, there'd be a real beauty.
  • You should let those cats out once in a while.
  • If you filled me in once in a while...
  • I could get myself a babysitter once in a while.
  • Even Hud can get lonesome once in a while.
  • At least see she eats something once in a while.
  • I can have a car drive by once in a while.
  • You should tell your source to carry a different suitcase once in a while.
  • Feel free to open a file once in a while.
  • Well, they don't mind helping us once in a while.
  • You can peek out once in a while.
  • Nothing wrong with thinning the herd once in a while.
  • Have a little fun once in a while.
  • I play the horses once in a while.
  • You need to let the show go once in a while.
  • Just check your levels once in a while.
  • You should really try taking a shower once in a while.
  • Call your parents once in a while.

Alternatives:

  • occasionally
  • from time to time
  • now and then
  • every so often
  • at times

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