In former times

USAGE SUMMARY

"In former times" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a period in the past, usually before the present time. For example, "In former times, people had to communicate using only letters and postcards."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In former times the latter was worked for marble.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In former times, American bison (Bison bison) migrated regularly through the Great Plains.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In former times it was a station on the Hejaz railway (now defunct).

Encyclopedia Britannica

In former times you just didn't talk about any of this.

The Guardian - Opinion

"In former times, you could play a novelty," Frederic Friedel, the chess-program publisher, says.

The New Yorker

"In former times, it was less common because people were struck down in midlife by other things".

The New York Times - Health

In former times, too, art forthrightly answered the audience's emotional needs: tell me a story, sing me a song.

The New Yorker

In former times, when manufacturing dominated the economy, this would have dragged the entire country into a deep slump.

The New Yorker

In former times the idea of the actor as motivated by a desire to create astonishment and wonder was sometimes seen as the basis of all theatre.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In former times, a mikvah was so essential to each community of Jews that, if necessary, a synagogue could be sold to finance its construction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"In former times I always said the Green Party is the party of dentists' wives," said Reinhard Schlinkert, one of the most established political pollsters in Germany.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in former times" to contrast past practices, beliefs, or conditions with those of the present, creating a sense of historical perspective.

Common error

While "in former times" is grammatically correct, overuse in contemporary writing may sound archaic. Consider using more modern alternatives like "previously" or "in the past" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in former times" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when something occurred. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

32%

News & Media

46%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in former times" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that serves to situate events or conditions within a past temporal context. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in encyclopedias, news media, and scientific publications, it bridges past and present perspectives. While versatile, modern writers should consider more contemporary alternatives to avoid sounding archaic. Remember to use it to create historical contrast and give readers some relevant contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In previous times

Replaces 'former' with 'previous', maintaining the same sense of a time before the present.

In olden times

Similar to "in former times" but slightly more evocative of folklore or historical narratives.

In past times

Uses 'past' instead of 'former', providing a slightly more general reference to the past.

In bygone days

Emphasizes that the days being referred to are long gone or past.

In years past

Highlights the passage of time, focusing on the accumulation of years.

In earlier days

Shifts the focus to a specific period ('days') in the past, implying a more defined era.

In days of old

Evokes a sense of tradition and history, often associated with stories or legends.

Back in the day

An informal expression that evokes a sense of nostalgia for a particular period in the past.

Once upon a time

A traditional phrase often used to begin stories or narratives set in the distant past, frequently implying a fairytale context.

In antiquity

Refers specifically to ancient times, often associated with classical civilizations.

FAQs

How do I use "In former times" in a sentence?

"In former times" is used to describe how things were in the past, often in contrast to how they are now. For example: "In former times, travel was much more difficult than it is today.

What can I say instead of "In former times"?

You can use alternatives like "in previous times", "in past times", or "in earlier days" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "In former time" instead of "In former times"?

The correct phrase is "In former times", with the plural "times". "In former time" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "In former times" and "In ancient times"?

"In former times" refers to a past era, not necessarily ancient. "In ancient times" specifically refers to a remote period in history, typically before the fall of the Roman Empire.