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once they were vs when they were

Both "once they were" and "when they were" are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. "Once they were" is used to refer to a past time when something was true or existed, while "when they were" is used to introduce a specific time or situation in the past.

Last updated: March 19, 2024

once they were

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to a past time when something was true or existed.

This phrase is used to indicate a previous time when a particular situation or condition was true. It emphasizes the idea that the situation existed at one point in the past.

Examples:

Once they were friends, but now they hardly speak to each other.
Once they were the leading company in the industry, but now they are struggling to survive.

Show examples from the web [+]

In Once They Were Hats, Frances Backhouse examines humanity's 15,000-year relationship with Castor canadensis, and the beaver's even older relationship ...
Once They Were Eagles tells how and why the squadron was formed, provides brief sketches of every member, and creates a vivid picture of the exciting but ...
Rob Goldman's Once They Were Angels details the team's rich 44-year history ... Once They Were Angels also features Rod Carew and Don Baylor lending their ...
In Once They Were Hats, Frances Backhouse examines humanity's 15,000-year relationship with Castor canadensis, and the beaver's even older relationship ...

Alternatives:

They used to be
In the past, they were
At one time, they were

when they were

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

This phrase is used to specify a particular time or situation in the past when something was true or happened. It is often followed by a description of the past event or condition.

Examples:

When they were children, they used to play together every day.
I remember when they were in high school, they were inseparable.

Show examples from the web [+]

Celebrities When They Were Young · Submit RSS feed · Permalink 17 notes. [ PHOTO]. Adele. Permalink 16 notes. [PHOTO]. Amanda Seyfried. Permalink 21 ...
16 Astonishing Photos Of Evil People Taken When They Were Kids. Matt. June 3, 2015. Educational. ADVERTISEMENT. Hindsight is 20/20. Looking backwards ...
Stars Who Had Kids When They Were Really Young. We sometimes forget that stars are just like us. Not every family is traditional, and these celebrities all have ...
19 Child Celebrities Who Look Even Better Than When They Were Kids. Some celebrities came to fame during their awkward phase and then blossomed into ...

Alternatives:

At the time when they were
During the period when they were
Back when they were

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