I formerly believed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I formerly believed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a past belief or opinion that has since changed. Example: "I formerly believed that success was solely based on hard work, but I've come to realize that networking plays a significant role as well."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thus, all polls formerly believed in so devoutly are now to be despised.

The New York Times

If Scenario 1 proves accurate, Early Eocene negative δ13C "hyperthermal" excursions occurred during eccentricity minima rather than maxima as formerly believed.

Earth and Planetary Science Letters

As a result of advances in neuropharmacology, psychologists discover that human personality is much more plastic than formerly believed.

The Guardian - Books

Formerly believed to be separate species, they are now generally thought to be varieties of the species Tragulus kanchil.

Britannica

Maybe a revolution in taste, as when Mannerism was overthrown by the Baroque... Cynthia formerly believed in the 'enormous diversity of things;' now she believes in Kong.

The New Yorker

It said a pattern of subtle but active faults made the risk of earthquakes to the New York City area substantially greater than formerly believed.

The New York Times

Archimedes did not just take steps toward calculus, as formerly believed; he actually created and used calculus methods, the basis for modern engineering and science.

Stanford University

Maybe a revolution in taste, as when Mannerism was overthrown by the Baroque... Cynthia formerly believed in the 'enormous diversity of things;' now she believes in Kong..

The New Yorker

And then, in the mid-90s, he had what he describes as "either an epiphany or a nervous breakdown", and reconsidered everything he had formerly believed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She told The Guardian last night: "It was formerly believed that scientists in Germany were oppressed by the Nazi regime, that there were only a few guilty people.

The Guardian

The impact of vehicle architecture on traffic regulation, and the convergence of several intracellular pathways in late endosomes, indicates that the particular intracellular route might be less relevant than formerly believed.

Drug Discovery Today

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I formerly believed" when you want to clearly indicate a change in your perspective, particularly when contrasting it with your current understanding. This phrase is most effective in formal writing or when emphasizing the shift in your thinking.

Common error

Avoid using "I formerly believed" in casual conversation or informal writing. The word 'formerly' sounds overly formal in such contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I used to think" or "I once believed" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I formerly believed" functions as a declarative statement expressing a past conviction or opinion that is no longer held. It's used to introduce a contrast between a previous belief and a current understanding.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I formerly believed" is a grammatically sound construction used to express a shift in one's beliefs or opinions. It carries a formal tone, making it more suitable for academic, professional, or scientific contexts. While grammatically correct, it's important to consider the audience and choose more common alternatives like "I used to believe" in informal settings. Although there are no real-world examples available to analyze here, this guide provides a comprehensive understanding of its usage, alternatives, and potential pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I used to believe

Emphasizes the past nature of the belief and is a more common, less formal alternative.

I once thought

Highlights a past idea or assumption, suitable when discussing a previous viewpoint.

I previously believed

Similar to the original, but replaces "formerly" with "previously", offering a slightly different tone.

I had believed

Uses the past perfect tense to emphasize that the belief was held before a certain point in time.

I was under the impression that

Indicates that the belief was based on an assumption or incomplete information.

I was of the opinion that

Formally states a past opinion, suitable for academic or professional settings.

I initially thought

Highlights that the belief was held at the beginning of a process or understanding.

Earlier, I believed

Simple and direct, indicating a shift from a prior belief.

My initial belief was

Focuses on the belief itself rather than the act of believing.

In the past, I believed

Emphasizes that belief was valid at some point in the past.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I formerly believed"?

You can use alternatives like "I used to believe", "I once thought", or "I previously believed" depending on the context.

How do I use "I formerly believed" in a sentence?

"I formerly believed" is used to introduce a statement that you previously accepted as true but no longer do. For example, "I formerly believed that hard work was the only key to success."

Is "I formerly believed" suitable for informal conversations?

While grammatically correct, "I formerly believed" is more appropriate for formal writing or discussions. In informal contexts, phrases like "I used to think" or "I once believed" are more natural.

What's the difference between "I formerly believed" and "I used to believe"?

Both phrases indicate a past belief, but "I formerly believed" carries a more formal tone. "I used to believe" is generally more common and suitable for everyday conversation, while "I formerly believed" is better suited for academic or professional settings.