a former schoolmate of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a former schoolmate of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who attended school with you in the past. Example: "I ran into a former schoolmate of mine at the reunion last weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

A former schoolmate of mine started a tourism business.

The New York Times

Brandon Lewis, a former schoolmate of Mr. Shaw's, said the arrest came as a surprise.

The New York Times

One day Gina finds out that a former schoolmate of Cissie's is marrying the butcher, who is over 70.

The New Yorker

Li Si, the chief minister of Qin and a former schoolmate of Han Feizi's, presumably afraid that the latter might gain the king's favour by virtue of superior erudition, had Han Feizi imprisoned on a charge of duplicity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A former schoolmate of Hedda's, Thea has left her husband and her children to pursue a wild and reckless writer and philosopher named Ejlert Lövborg (the handsome Aden Young).

The New Yorker

Some said Aiko's troubles might even feed growing calls by conservatives for her father, 50, to step aside as the successor to his father, Emperor Akihito, 76. "Many people won't want such an unhealthy family to become emperor and empress," said Akira Hashimoto, a former schoolmate of Emperor Akihito who has written several books about the imperial family.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

In 1936 he returned to Cilacap to teach at a Muhammadiyah-run elementary school, having been trained by his teachers at Wirotomo; that year he married Alfiah, a former schoolmate and the daughter of the rich batik merchant Raden Sastroatmojo.

Wikipedia

In the words of a former schoolmate, Ifeajuna had leaped "to the very pinnacle of Nigerian sporting achievement".

The Guardian - Sport

A former schoolmate once labelled her a member of the Club of the Unkissed.

The New Yorker

He was also a talented illustrator; he helped build the smashing collection of French masterpieces acquired by a former schoolmate, Dr. Albert Barnes; he was an organizer of the American representation in the 1913 Armory Show that gave fusty New York a mind-boggling look at European modernism.

The New York Times - Arts

A moody chap on the sunniest of days, Peter Robinson's Yorkshire copper, Inspector Alan Banks, slips into a melancholy funk in CLOSE TO HOME (Morrow, $23.95) when he returns to his boyhood home -- indeed, to his own narrow bed in his old room in his parents' house -- to help with an investigation into the death of a former schoolmate.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a former schoolmate of", ensure it's clear which person you are referring to. Add a name or brief description after the phrase to provide context for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a former schoolmate" without providing context. If the reader doesn't know who you're talking about, the phrase loses its meaning. Always clarify the identity of the person you are referencing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a former schoolmate of" functions as a noun phrase modifier, specifying the relationship between a person and someone they attended school with in the past. It adds descriptive detail and provides context about the individual being discussed. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a former schoolmate of" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone with whom you attended school in the past. As Ludwig AI points out, its usage is correct and applicable across various contexts. While categorized as "Uncommon" in terms of frequency, it is widely understood and accepted. When employing this phrase, ensure that you provide enough context to clarify who you are referring to. Alternatives such as "an old classmate of" or "someone I went to school with" can be used to diversify your language. Remember, clear communication is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an old classmate of

Emphasizes the passage of time and the connection from the past.

a past schoolmate of

Formally indicates a schoolmate from a previous time.

a one-time classmate of

Highlights the single instance of being classmates.

someone who used to be in my class

More descriptive and less formal.

a previous classmate from

Highlights the previous class and its source

a fellow student in my old school

Specifies the environment (old school)

someone I went to school with

General and conversational expression.

a person I knew from school

A broader term, including acquaintances.

my old school companion

Slightly more antiquated or literary.

an alumni peer

Highlights association after graduation, and shared level.

FAQs

How do I use "a former schoolmate of" in a sentence?

Use "a former schoolmate of" to introduce someone you attended school with in the past, for example, "John, a former schoolmate of mine, now works as an engineer".

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

You can use alternatives like "an old classmate of", "a past schoolmate of", or "someone I went to school with" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a former schoolmate of mine" or "a former schoolmate of me"?

"A former schoolmate of mine" is correct. The possessive pronoun "mine" is used instead of "me".

What's the difference between "a former schoolmate of" and "a current schoolmate of"?

"A former schoolmate of" refers to someone you attended school with in the past, while "a current schoolmate of" refers to someone you are attending school with now.