Once upon a time

"Once upon a time" is a stock phrase (or a 'fossilized phrase') that has been used for many hundreds of years in storytelling in the English language.

Related Topics:
Stock phrase - Storytelling - English language

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It is particularly apparent in fairytales for children, where it is almost always the opening line of a tale. It was commonly used in the original translations of the stories of Hans Christian Andersen, or The Brothers Grimm.

Related Topics:
Fairytale - Hans Christian Andersen - Brothers Grimm

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The phrase is also frequently used in oral storytelling, such as retellings of myths, fables, and folklore.

Related Topics:
Myths - Fables - Folklore

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"Once Upon A Time (song)" is also the title of a song, sung by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and others.

Related Topics:
Once Upon A Time (song) - Frank Sinatra - Tony Bennett

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