Structure

[Donbelid]

Could you please comment on the following statements?

1)
a: Once a gleam, it'll give luster to automobile industry

b: Once a spark, It'll set the world on fire

2)
a) Once a gleam, it gives luster to automobile industry

b) Once a spark, It sets the world on fire


Are they grammatically correct?

[MrPedantic]

Hello Don

The structure "once an XYZ" sounds strange to me – I'm not quite sure what the intended meaning is!

Also, in 1a and 2a, you need a "the" before "automobile".

Would you like to try again? If so, I'll check them for you.

MrP

[Donbelid]

Hello Don
The structure "once an XYZ" sounds strange to me – I'm not quite sure what the intended meaning is!
Also, in 1a and 2a, you need a "the" before "automobile".
Would you like to try again? If so, I'll check them for you.
MrP

I meant "Once it was only a gleam, but it will give luster to the automobile industry". I need a shorter structure to imply the same meaning. Can I say "Once a gleam, it will give luster..." or "Once a gleam, it gives luster..."

[Casiopea]

What about?

It was only a gleam, and now ...
It was only a spark, and now ...

At one time, only a gleam, and now ...
At one time, only a spark, and now ...