ENGLISH
REFERENCE

once a month

fixed phr..
A1 Beginner Oxford

fixed phr.. A phrase you use to say something happens one time every month.

fixed phr.. An adverbial phrase of frequency indicating that an event occurs on one occasion within each monthly period.


SIMPLE

We meet for coffee once a month.

CONTEXTUAL

The book club gets together once a month to discuss the latest novel they've all read.

COMPLEX

The committee, which convenes once a month, is responsible for reviewing all grant applications and allocating funds according to strict, predetermined criteria.

Usage

This phrase can be placed at the beginning or end of a sentence to describe how often something happens.

Teaching tip

Teach this as part of a set: 'once a day/week/month/year', 'twice a...', and then 'three times a...' to establish the pattern.

Pitfall

I go to the gym one time in a month.I go to the gym once a month.For single occurrences, 'once' is the standard word, not 'one time'.

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