a former time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a former time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a previous period or era in history or in someone's life. Example: "In a former time, people relied heavily on handwritten letters for communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

In 1968, after complaints by Times editors in New York that Mr. Wicker was devoting too much attention to his writing, The Times announced that James Greenfield, a former Time magazine reporter and State Department official, would replace him as bureau chief.

The New York Times

Mr. McGirk, a former Time magazine bureau chief, claims to be the faster runner in retreat, but he admired Mr. Nickelsberg's style.

The New York Times

A former Time magazine reporter, Mr. Moritz left journalism to become one of the most successful venture capitalists in Silicon Valley.

The New York Times

Vivek Shah, a former Time Inc. executive, has bought Ziff Davis, the media company that operates nine technology Web sites, including PCMag.com.

The New York Times

"You're going to see what they want you to see," said Dirk Halstead, a former Time photographer who covered the White House.

The New York Times

David W. Brumbaugh, a former Time Inc. executive who played a role in the adoption of ZIP codes, died on Saturday at a hospital in Glen Cove, N.Y.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

To carry out the mission, Rosenthal recommended an old friend, James Greenfield, a former Time-Life reporter and State Department spokesman.

The New York Times - Books

Mark Silverman, a former time-share salesman who writes about the subject for The San Francisco Examiner, said that time shares should not be looked at as a way to make money.

The New York Times - Travel

Van Natta is a Times reporter and Gerth a former Times reporter.

The New Yorker

(Mr. Nagourney is a reporter for The New York Times, and Mr. Clendinen is a former Times reporter).

The New York Times

A former Times reporter sets his murder mystery at a big-city paper.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a former time" to evoke a sense of nostalgia or to contrast past conditions with the present.

Common error

Avoid using the preposition "at" before "a former time" as it's grammatically redundant and less common. The phrase typically functions well without it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a former time" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as an adverbial modifier to indicate when something occurred. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, serving to reference past periods.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

8%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a former time" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote a period in the past. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage, and our analysis reveals it's most commonly found in news and media contexts. While relatively infrequent, its straightforward meaning and clear function make it a valuable phrase for referencing past eras, inviting comparison and reflection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

times past

Similar to "a former time" but emphasizes the general concept of the past.

a past period

Directly denotes a segment of time that has already occurred.

an earlier period

Highlights the temporal precedence of the mentioned period.

a previous era

Focuses on the sequential aspect of time, indicating an earlier period.

a bygone era

Refers to a period that is distinctly in the past and often idealized.

in a previous age

Indicates a broader span of time, often associated with historical periods.

in days gone by

Emphasizes the passing of time and the distance from the present.

in the old days

An informal way to refer to a time in the past, often with a personal connection.

days of yore

Evokes a sense of nostalgia and distance, suggesting a time long past.

once upon a time

Used typically to begin fairy tales, indicating a past time, often mythical.

FAQs

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

Use "a former time" to refer to a period in the past, often when comparing it to the present. For example, "Life was simpler in "a former time"".

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

"A former time" and "a previous time" are quite similar, both denoting a past period. "A former time" might carry a slightly stronger sense of something more distant or significantly changed.

Is it correct to say "at a former time" instead of "a former time"?

While understandable, "at a former time" is less common and can sound slightly awkward. Sticking with just "a former time" is generally preferred for clarity and conciseness.

What are some alternatives to using "a former time" in my writing?

Depending on the context, consider alternatives like "a bygone era", "in the past", or "years ago" to convey a similar meaning.