"one time" vs "at one time"

Question

"one time" vs "at one time"

Both "one time" and "at one time" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "One time" is used to refer to a single occasion or instance, while "at one time" is used to indicate a specific point in time or a period in the past when something was true.

Last Updated: March 25, 2024

Use "one time" when you want to talk about something that happened or will happen on a single occasion. It is often used in storytelling or recounting events.

Examples:

I met him one time at the party.
She only visited Paris one time in her life.
One time, I saw a shooting star.
He called me one time last week.
I'll tell you the story one time, and that's it.

Alternatives:

once
a single time
on one occasion
just once
only one time

Use "at one time" when you want to specify a particular moment or period in the past when something was the case. It is often used to provide context or historical information.

Examples:

At one time, this city was the capital of the country.
At one time, he was considered the best player in the league.
At one time, people believed the earth was flat.
At one time, she used to work as a teacher.
At one time, this company was the leader in the industry.

Alternatives:

once
previously
formerly
in the past
at some point

Answer 1

one time

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to a single occasion or instance.

Answer 2

at one time

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a specific point in time or a period in the past when something was true.

"one time" vs "at one time"

one time

at one time

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