Formerly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Formerly" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something was the case in the past but is no longer true or applicable. Example: "The company was formerly known as XYZ Corp before the rebranding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The White House is attempting to cultivate new ties with Egypt's new Islamist rulers following the removal of the Hosni Mubarak, the hardline president who was formerly backed by Washington, last year.

The Guardian

The private liberal arts college formerly was known as Randolph-Macon Women's College.

The Guardian

Grattard was formerly one of the very few long-standing chefs in the confined but open-minded kitchen at L'Astrance, headed by hyperactive Pascal Barbot.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Baileys prize, which took place on Wednesday evening, and was formerly the Orange prize is, of course, not open to men.

The Guardian - Opinion

Formerly known as Friends of the Italian Opera – after the codename for the mafia in Some Like It Hot – the theatre regularly stages classics by the likes of Samuel Beckett, Harold Pinter, Tennessee Williams and Alan Bennett, as well as inviting young writers to try out their works.

The Guardian

The only age group whose vote increased for Obama from 2008 to 2012 was 30-39 year-olds, as those who had formerly been 25-29 years old moved into 30-39 year-old age cohort.

The Guardian - Opinion

Analysts suspect that one of his chief goals is the expansion of Russian influence in other formerly Soviet republics under the guise of an economic union.

The Guardian

Uluru, formerly known as Ayers Rock, is a sacred site for the area's Indigenous Australians.

The Guardian

The town in which Salim, "a man without a side", sets up shop, formerly Arab, then colonial, becomes a microcosm of a society moving towards independence: a place of chaotic and violent change; tribal warfare, ignorance, poverty and human degradation.

The Guardian - Books

The prospect of the laws being overturned has prompted defence lawyers to seek to delay trials involving defendants who may have already spent months in solitary confinement under harsh prison conditions formerly reserved for accused bikie associates.

The Guardian

Palin is unpopular in the state she formerly led.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing organizations or titles, use "formerly" to show a transition or evolution over time, offering historical context.

Common error

Avoid using "formerly" for very recent or temporary changes. It's best suited for more established past states rather than fleeting situations.

Linguistic Context

The word "formerly" functions as an adverb, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate a state or condition that existed at some point in the past. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through various examples, demonstrating its role in providing temporal context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "formerly" is a versatile term used to denote past states, conditions, or roles, adding temporal context to descriptions. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, formal business, and scientific writing. While synonyms like "previously" and "at one time" exist, "formerly" often implies a more significant change. As with any word, avoiding overuse and considering context will ensure clarity. Use "formerly" to provide clarity and depth to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Previously

A straightforward synonym indicating something happened before.

Once

Indicates something that happened in the past but no longer happens.

In the past

A general phrase indicating a time before the present.

Before now

Emphasizes the change from past to present.

At one time

Similar to "in the past" but can imply a specific period.

In former times

Similar to "in earlier times" but with a slightly different tone.

In earlier times

More formal and can refer to a more distant past.

A while back

Informal way to express something happened in the past.

Back then

Refers to a specific point in the past already mentioned.

Heretofore

Formal and somewhat archaic, meaning up until this point.

FAQs

How can I use "formerly" in a sentence?

Use "formerly" to indicate that something was true in the past but is no longer the case. For example, "The country was "formerly a colony"".

What's the difference between "formerly" and "previously"?

"Formerly" and "previously" are similar, but "formerly" often implies a more significant change or a more distant past. "Previously" can refer to more recent events.

What can I say instead of "formerly"?

You can use alternatives such as "at one time", "in the past", or "once", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say 'the formerly known'?

Yes, it's correct. The phrase "the formerly known" is often used before a name or title to indicate that it has changed. For example, "The artist "formerly known as" Prince".