I formerly considered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I formerly considered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a past belief or opinion that has since changed. Example: "I formerly considered that approach to be the best solution, but I have since changed my mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

India is already exploring the possibility of talking directly to representatives of Kashmiri groups it formerly considered too militant to touch.

The Economist

It embodies human proteins HERC3, 4, 5, and 6, that is, the remaining HERC proteins that were formerly considered to be closely related to large HERCs 1 and 2 (see class I).

Genome Biology and Evolution

They were formerly considered ostracoderms.

Britannica

Arts formerly considered satanic were allowed free expression.

The New York Times - Arts

It was formerly considered conspecific with the Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) of the Old World.

Cornell University

Gilded Barbet was formerly considered a subspecies of Black-spotted Barbet (Capito niger).

Cornell University

Polycnemoideae, represented in California by Nitrophila, formerly considered subfamily of Chenopodiaceae, but needs further research.

University of California, Berkeley

Apartments in New York City formerly considered marginally uninhabitable snapped up at the price of half a million dollars.

The New York Times

The oxpeckers were formerly considered members of the Sturnidae but are now in their own family, the Buphagidae.

Britannica

These interventions were formerly considered sanitary engineering practice, but presently fall under the category of environmental engineering.

Environmental Biotechnology A Biosystems Approach

Proven engineering interventions were formerly considered to be sanitary engineering practices but presently fall under the category of environmental engineering.

Environmental Biotechnology A Biosystems Approach

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I formerly considered" to clearly indicate a shift in your thinking or perspective, adding credibility to your current stance.

Common error

Avoid using "formally" instead of "formerly". "Formally" relates to established procedures or official contexts, while "formerly" signifies a past state or belief. Make sure the context correctly reflects a change in your prior view.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I formerly considered" functions as a declarative statement expressing a retrospective viewpoint. It sets the stage for a contrast between a previous assessment and a current understanding. Without examples, the analysis relies on the established meaning of its components.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I formerly considered" serves to introduce a past viewpoint now superseded by a different understanding. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct but without examples, its usage frequency remains unknown. Related phrases, such as "I once thought", offer similar ways to express a changed perspective. A key writing tip is to ensure that "formerly" is not confused with "formally". The phrase suits neutral to formal settings, indicating a thoughtful reassessment. Due to the lack of data, the frequency of use remains "Missing" and the authoritative sources could not be determined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I once thought

Emphasizes a past belief that is no longer held.

I used to believe

Highlights a habitual past belief that has changed.

I previously assumed

Focuses on an earlier assumption that has been corrected.

I had once imagined

Conveys a prior imagination or expectation.

I initially viewed

Highlights an initial perspective that evolved over time.

At one time, I regarded

Formally expresses a past assessment or opinion.

In the past, I perceived

Indicates a shift in perception from an earlier point.

I earlier judged

Highlights a prior evaluation that now differs.

I had thought in the past

Expresses a past held thought.

I once held the opinion

Formally describes a previous opinion that is no longer maintained.

FAQs

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

Use "I formerly considered" to express a past belief or opinion that you no longer hold. For example, "I formerly considered that approach to be the best solution, but now I see its limitations."

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

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

Is it correct to say "I formally considered" instead of "I formerly considered"?

No, "formally" indicates something done according to convention or procedure, whereas "formerly" refers to a past state or belief. The correct phrase to indicate a change in belief is "I formerly considered."

What's the difference between "I formerly considered" and "I previously thought"?

Both phrases indicate a past belief, but "I formerly considered" sounds slightly more formal than "I previously thought". The choice depends on the context and your desired level of formality.