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Anonymous Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

Statement question

Is the use of the word 'once' correct or natural in this sentence.

In order to be a great leader you must 'once' be a great follower.

Does 'once' make sense, and would the word 'first' be better instead?

I feel 'once' is not correct. Do you agree?
  

Top answer

I think the problem is the verb form. I'd do this: In order to be a great leader you must once have been a great follower. If you use 'first', the confusion does not arise: In order to be a great leader you must first be a great follower.

— Mister Micawber

  • I think the problem is the verb form.
  • I'd do this: In order to be a great leader you must once have been a great follower.
  • If you use 'first', the confusion does not arise: In order to be a great leader you must first be a great follower.
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5 Answers
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I think the problem is the verb form. I'd do this:

In order to be a great leader you must once have been a great follower.

If you use 'first', the confusion does not arise:

In order to be a great leader you must first be a great follower.
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Thanks, teacher.
Mister MicawberIn order to be a great leader you must once have been a great follower.
Yes, That is why I was confused. But can't 'once' be used without have been, meaning at one occasion or some point, and still be correct due to the beginning of the sentence In order to..., which is logical that the later must occur to ach
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Anonymouswould it be correct without 'have been' but it may be a bit confusing or hard to interpret?
Yes, I changed it to clarify the meaning, that is all.
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Mister MicawberYes, I changed it to clarify the meaning, that is all.
Thanks a lot, teacher. I liked the way you changed it, and just wanted to to if it was also correct as it was because I saw it used by a friend that way.

So is what I interpreted correct: using 'once' without have been, means at one occasion or some point, and is corre
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Anonymoususing 'once' without have been, means at one occasion or some point, and is correct due to the beginning of the sentence In order to....., which is logical that the later must occur to achieve the former? Would that be correct?
That is at least clear on that point, yes.
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