I formerly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I formerly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a previous state or condition that has since changed. Example: "I formerly worked as a teacher before transitioning to a career in writing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

I started behaving in all the ways I formerly saw as imperfect or improper.

The Guardian - Opinion

I formerly coördinated the reconstruction of Fallujah for U.S.A.I.D., and personally lost colleagues to assassins' bullets.

The New Yorker

I formerly worked on Maiden Lane, so I experienced firsthand the inhumanity of the Lower Manhattan environment.

The New York Times - Arts

(I formerly worked at Bloomberg L.P). "This is a very unique problem for him — we don't have a very good picture of his financial situation, we really don't know what he owns, we don't know all his entanglements".

The New Yorker

So, the prospect of liking something without realizing it, either because I accidentally, or drunkenly, or jokingly liked it, or because I formerly liked it then hid it from my news feed, and then winding up unknowingly advertising it to my friends, is off-putting.

The New York Times

After hearing Mr. Kerry's remarks about foreign policy and homeland security, as well as his comments on the Bush administration's many mistakes, I (formerly of the "anyone but Bush" camp) came away feeling strongly supportive of John Kerry as a skilled, balanced, experienced and reasonable chief of state who is committed to security, diplomacy and peace.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

The clade can subsequently be divided into two significant sub-clades that correspond, respectively to the current definition of subspecies PAV-I (formerly PAV) and PAV-II (formerly PAS).

Plosone

The most interesting feature was the recent increase of ST228-MRSA-I (formerly the Italian clone; PFGE E) over the period 2000 2007 (57%), when compared to the period 1990 1999 (29%), and its stability to date, associated with a decrease of the highly epidemic ST247-MRSA-IA (formerly the Iberian clone; PFGE A), (23% from 1990 to 1999, 6% from 2000 to 2007).

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials

By the time I had toured the entire shop, noting each and every thing that had once belonged to the life I had formerly known, I was in tears.

Huffington Post

"At first, I obviously didn't advertise that I was formerly incarcerated, because I was meeting people who needed to feel like they could rely on me," he recalled.

The New York Times

Plans for the Old Town interchange between I-5 (formerly US 101), I-8 (formerly US 80), SR 209 (Rosecrans Street), and SR 109 date from 1962, although several concerns had to be taken into account, including the preservation of historical Old Town and keeping traffic through the area moving during construction.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I formerly" when you want to clearly and concisely indicate a previous role, state, or condition that is no longer current. This phrase is suitable for formal writing and professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "I formerly" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for phrases like "I used to be" or "I once was" to maintain a natural and approachable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I formerly" functions as an introductory phrase that modifies a verb, indicating a state or action that was true in the past but is no longer so. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and suitable for formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I formerly" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that is best suited for formal contexts to indicate a previous state or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While it's not frequently used, it appears more commonly in News & Media and Science contexts. When aiming for a more casual tone, alternatives like "I used to be" or "I once was" are more appropriate. Use "I formerly" to concisely convey a change in status or role in professional or academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I used to be

Expresses a past state or condition, similar to "I formerly", but with a more conversational tone.

I previously was

Indicates a past role or condition, offering a slightly more formal tone than "I used to be".

I once was

Implies a past state that is no longer true, often used to highlight a change or transformation.

I had been

Specifies a past state, often in relation to another past event, providing a more narrative context.

I was at one time

Emphasizes that a past state existed during a specific period, now concluded.

I have been in the past

Highlights the historical aspect of a past experience or condition.

I previously held

Specifically refers to a past position or role, common in professional contexts.

I formerly occupied

Indicates a past position or role, often with a sense of formality or official capacity.

Previously, I was

Inverts the sentence structure for emphasis on the shift from a past state.

Before, I used to be

Combines elements of "previously" and "used to be" for a more descriptive reference to a past state.

FAQs

How can I use "I formerly" in a sentence?

Use "I formerly" to indicate a past state, role, or condition that is no longer true. For example: "I formerly worked as a teacher."

What can I say instead of "I formerly"?

You can use alternatives like "I used to be", "I previously was", or "I once was" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "I formerly"?

It's appropriate to use "I formerly" in formal writing, professional contexts, or when you want to clearly and concisely indicate a previous state that is no longer current.

What is the difference between "I formerly" and "I previously"?

"I formerly" typically refers to a specific role or position that you held, while "I previously" can refer to any past action or state. For example, "I formerly worked as a manager," versus "I previously lived in New York".