Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[olive2006]

What does "for once" mean?

[CP]

It's a way to say that the person never does something. Examples:

"I wish for once you'd put your coat away when you come in for the night." (You always just throw it on a chair.)

"For once would you please take your dirty dishes into the kitchen when you are finished eating." (You always leave them on the table for me to pick up.)

"The band showed up on time and, for once, sober."
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You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[olive2006]

Thanks for your clear explanation!

[olive2006]

By the way, is it proper to say "I've been to the U.S.A. for once"?

[CP]

No. You would say, "I have been to the U.S.A. once / one time."

Or, "Once, I went to the U.S.A." Means "at one time" or "one time."

If you want to use "for once" in that sentence, you would have to say something like, "For once I'd like to go to the U.S.A. and speak English with Americans." Means that you've never gone there but would like to do it.

Stevie Wonder's hit song, "For Once In My Life," has the tag line, "For once in my life, I have someone who needs me." Finally, at last, he has someone who needs him. It's never happened before.
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You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[olive2006]

I can't find the words to thank you!