Once upon a time
adverb
Used to start a story, meaning it is set in the past.
Once upon a time, there was a little girl who lived in a village near the forest.
Often appears as...
- once upon a time
- there was...
Usage tips
Literary
adverb
Used to express something happened in the past.
She was once upon a time a star athlete, but now she can barely walk because of her injury.
Often appears as...
- he was
- once upon a time
adverb
Used to start a story, meaning it is set in the past.
Once upon a time, there was a little girl who lived in a village near the forest.
Often appears as...
- once upon a time
- there was...
Usage tips
Literary
adverb
Used to express something happened in the past.
She was once upon a time a star athlete, but now she can barely walk because of her injury.
Often appears as...
- he was
- once upon a time
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Story Opening
Indicates the beginning of a fairy tale or folk story, often used for children's stories.
Once upon a time, an adventurous prince set out on a quest to find a hidden treasure.
Pro Tip 2/3Imaginary Setting
Suggests a make-believe or fantastic world, setting the stage for magic and myth.
Once upon a time, in a kingdom made of clouds, there lived a flying horse.
Pro Tip 3/3Historical Distance
Conveys an unspecified time long ago, creating a sense of historical or timeless setting.
Once upon a time, dragons roamed the skies, feared and revered by all.
Pro Tip 1/3Story Opening
Indicates the beginning of a fairy tale or folk story, often used for children's stories.
Once upon a time, an adventurous prince set out on a quest to find a hidden treasure.
Pro Tip 2/3Imaginary Setting
Suggests a make-believe or fantastic world, setting the stage for magic and myth.
Once upon a time, in a kingdom made of clouds, there lived a flying horse.
Pro Tip 3/3Historical Distance
Conveys an unspecified time long ago, creating a sense of historical or timeless setting.
Once upon a time, dragons roamed the skies, feared and revered by all.
Pro Tip 1/3Story Opening
Indicates the beginning of a fairy tale or folk story, often used for children's stories.
Once upon a time, an adventurous prince set out on a quest to find a hidden treasure.
Pro Tip 2/3Imaginary Setting
Suggests a make-believe or fantastic world, setting the stage for magic and myth.
Once upon a time, in a kingdom made of clouds, there lived a flying horse.
Pro Tip 3/3Historical Distance
Conveys an unspecified time long ago, creating a sense of historical or timeless setting.
Once upon a time, dragons roamed the skies, feared and revered by all.
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