a former person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a former person" is not correct and is not typically used in written English.
It is unclear and awkward, as "former" usually refers to a role or position rather than a person themselves. Example: "He was a former president of the organization."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Instead, he's declared a "Former Person" and sentenced to life imprisonment in Moscow's Hotel Metropol.

The Washington Post

I didn't think of it as a former person until Christmas Day, when Hugh opened the cardboard coffin.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Why can't you be on time? A. Contrary to suspicions, most chronically tardy people are not aiming to annoy those around them, said Diana DeLonzor, author of "Never Be Late Again" (Post Madison Publishing) and a former late person.

The New York Times

But as a former fat person, I would welcome the long-overdue acknowledgment of another unpopular truth -- not every fat person fits the stereotype of coming from a "miserable" family "that created a hole" in her soul "that she tried to fill with food".

The New York Times

She was a former est person.

The New Yorker

"You are a former gay person?" Mr. Alesi asked, seemingly slightly befuddled.

The New York Times

As a former fat person I take exception to the conventional pop-psychology wisdom, included in the article, that "weight gain is a manifestation of other problems".

The New York Times

I have met a fellow Detroiter — the son of an assembly-line worker, a lifelong Tigers fan, a combat veteran, a former homeless person, a student of history — and this man is somehow an optimist.

The New York Times - Sports

"The story of this ship is one that makes me ashamed and embarrassed as a former Navy person," Senator John McCain, an Arizona Republican and onetime Navy pilot, said in late 2010, citing billions of dollars in cost overruns.

The New York Times

The goal, said Ms. Burgin, a former cat person, "was to have Bill's work and my work and our life in one place, though we do lose cups of coffee on a pretty regular basis.

The New York Times

Further down the line these funds could enable a former homeless person to buy some decent clothes for a job interview, or take a training course as a first step to getting back into work.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to someone who previously held a role or had a certain characteristic, specify the role or characteristic rather than using the vague phrase "a former person". For instance, use "a former employee" instead.

Common error

Don't use "a former person" when you can be more specific. This phrase is often unclear and can be replaced with a more descriptive term that accurately reflects the person's previous role or status. Using more specific terminology enhances clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a former person" functions as a noun phrase, attempting to describe an individual based on a past state or association. However, it is considered grammatically questionable and lacks specificity. As stated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is not considered grammatically correct in standard English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a former person" is considered grammatically incorrect and lacks clarity. While it appears in some contexts, such as news articles, it is best avoided in formal or professional writing. Ludwig AI indicates that it's more accurate to specify the person's previous role or status. Instead of using "a former person", opt for more precise terms like "a former employee", "a previous resident", or other descriptions that accurately reflect the person's past association. Using more specific terminology enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity. Always aim for precision in your language to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a previous person

Emphasizes that the person held a certain role or status in the past.

a one-time person

Highlights a past association or identity that is no longer current.

an ex-person

Indicates someone who is no longer part of a group or situation.

a past individual

A more formal way of referring to someone who once held a specific position.

a prior person

Suggests that the person preceded the current one in a sequence or role.

a erstwhile person

A more archaic way of saying "former", emphasizing the past nature of the association.

a has-been

Implies the person once had prominence but no longer does.

a retired person

Specifically refers to someone who has stopped working due to age or other reasons.

a bygone person

Evokes a sense of someone from a distant or forgotten past.

a deceased person

Directly refers to someone who is no longer living.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a former person"?

You can use alternatives like "a previous person", "a one-time person", or "an ex-person" depending on the context.

Is "a former person" grammatically correct?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "a former person" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's more accurate to specify the person's previous role or status.

How to use "a former person" in a sentence correctly?

While "a former person" is generally discouraged, ensure clarity by specifying the context. However, it's preferable to use more precise terms like "a previous employee" or "a former resident".

What's the difference between "a former person" and "a former employee"?

"A former person" is vague and lacks specific meaning. "A former employee", on the other hand, is precise and indicates someone who was previously employed by a company or organization.