a former stage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a former stage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a previous phase or level in a process, development, or performance. Example: "In the evolution of the project, we have moved beyond a former stage where basic concepts were still being developed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

He met his wife, a former stage manager, on "Evita".

The New York Times

Her mother, Sara, was a former stage actor and her father, Francis, an art dealer.

The Guardian - Film

Judy Mauer, a former stage manager for Playwrights Horizons next door, remembered getting mugged in the theater in 1977.

The New York Times - Arts

The movie languishes in its final third, too much of which concerns Burt's possible romance with a former stage assistant (Olivia Wilde) he emotionally abused.

The New York Times

He met and later married Ruth Rose, a former stage actress who was the expedition's official historian and who would later collaborate on several Cooper-Schoedsack productions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For Serkis, a former stage and television actor, Gollum had changed everything, placing him at the leading edge of a revolution in cinematic production.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama, a former staging post on the long cattle drives, but these days a compulsory staging post for the backpacking gringo.

The Guardian - Travel

But along the way Topkis, an ebullient former stage actress, felt frustrated, as consolidation within the publishing industry drove some of her favorite books off the shelves.

Forbes

The final count regularly tops 65. "Sue's party is such a relief," said Rita Reamer, a Russian-born former stage designer from Boston with a weekend retreat in Jamestown.

The New York Times

Under the proposals which are at an early stage, former porcelain factory buildings would be converted into a hub for the arts in the city.

BBC

There's a magnificently staged stand-off between the IRA and the RUC in a narrow terraced street during which the former stage a defiant, impromptu military funeral for a terrorist.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a former stage" to clearly indicate a phase, level, or platform that existed in the past but is no longer current. This is especially effective when contrasting it with the present situation or a later stage.

Common error

Avoid using "a former stage" when you actually mean the latter. "Former" always refers to what came before, while "latter" refers to the second of two things just mentioned. Ensure you're using the correct term to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a former stage" functions as a noun phrase, with "former" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "stage". This phrase typically identifies something that was once a stage, phase, or condition but is no longer so. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts, indicating prior roles or states.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a former stage" is grammatically correct and functions as a noun phrase describing a previous state, condition, or phase. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that the phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science. While generally neutral in tone, it appears less frequently in business or highly informal contexts. When writing, ensure that "former" is used accurately to refer to what came before. Alternatives include "a previous phase" or "an earlier period". Keep in mind "aiResponseStatus" indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, so if you are considering a semantically related alternative, be sure that it's appropriate in the target context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a previous phase

Replaces "former" with "previous", emphasizing the temporal aspect of being earlier in a sequence.

a past phase

Uses "past" instead of "former", indicating something that has already occurred or existed.

an earlier period

Substitutes "stage" with "period", focusing on a segment of time that precedes the current one.

a preceding level

Emphasizes a level or step that came before.

a prior condition

Replaces "stage" with "condition", highlighting a state that existed before the present one.

a preliminary step

Highlights the initial or preparatory nature of a stage.

a one-time platform

Emphasizes the prior function as a platform or venue.

a bygone era

Replaces both words to indicate a time long past.

an erstwhile position

Uses more formal vocabulary to indicate a previous role.

a historical juncture

Replaces both words with terminology that frames it as a point in history.

FAQs

How can I use "a former stage" in a sentence?

You can use "a former stage" to refer to a previous phase, level, or condition in a process or person's life. For example, "He is "a former stage" actor who now works in film."

What's the difference between "a former stage" and "a previous stage"?

While both refer to something that happened or existed before, "a former stage" may imply a more significant transition or change compared to "a previous stage". The phrases are very similar and often interchangeable, though "former" can sometimes carry a connotation of complete change or abandonment.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a former stage"?

Alternatives include "a previous phase", "an earlier period", or "a prior condition", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a former stage" in formal writing?

Yes, "a former stage" is appropriate in formal writing. According to Ludwig, it is considered grammatically correct and understandable. Although it does fit perfectly in business or academic contexts, use it whenever you need to indicate a past state of something.