both former and present

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both former and present" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to individuals or entities that have held a position or status in the past as well as currently. Example: "The committee will consider the opinions of both former and present members when making their decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Schools may switch to English, the language of the former colonial oppressor, from next year.This reverses a decade-old policy adopted after Hong Kong's reversion to China in 1997, in an assertion of independence from both former and present sovereign powers.

The Economist

The cast of characters is long and predictable, consisting almost exclusively of coaches and teammates, both former and present, some recognizable, others anonymous outside their own families.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The choreographers Mark Morris and Yvonne Rainer were there, too, as were dozens of former and present dancers.

The New Yorker

Beyond Main Street, many stately homes testify to the town's former and present glory.

The New York Times - Travel

Police have reportedly checked lists of former and present teachers at the school.

The Guardian

Some of his grievances are legitimate, say former and present members of the American government.

The Economist

A shadowy alliance of former and present military officers is believed to be involved in organized crime, including drug trafficking.

The New York Times

For much of the game, a duel went on between the Nets' former and present franchise frontcourt players, Coleman and Van Horn.

The New York Times - Sports

The story discredits him and his circle of siloviki, the former and present members of the security services.

The Economist

But it wasn't clear where her former and present life would meet.

TechCrunch

I was very pleased to discover that I was the only recipient who was nominated by former and present students.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "both former and present", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being referred to, such as "both former and present employees" or "both former and present conditions".

Common error

Avoid using "both former and present" when only the current state is relevant. "Former" implies a contrast with the current situation, so ensure this contrast is pertinent to your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both former and present" functions as a modifier used to describe a group or set that includes individuals or elements from both the past and the current time. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "both former and present" is a grammatically correct and versatile modifier, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's particularly useful for ensuring inclusivity and providing a comprehensive perspective by considering past and current elements. While synonyms like "past and present" or "previous and current" exist, "both former and present" explicitly emphasizes the dual consideration. Though the frequency of its use is uncommon it finds application across diverse fields like news, media and science. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the specific entities or conditions being referred to. The primary goal of using it should be bringing clarity to both sides of a comparison across time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

past and present

This alternative directly replaces "former" with "past", maintaining the same meaning with a slightly different word choice.

previous and current

This option substitutes "former" and "present" with "previous" and "current" offering a more contemporary feel while retaining the original sense.

erstwhile and current

Using "erstwhile" as a more formal synonym for "former", this phrase provides a more sophisticated tone.

then and now

This option offers a more concise and informal way to express the contrast between a past state and the current one.

before and after

This alternative highlights the chronological sequence, emphasizing the transformation from a previous state to the present.

past and future

This alternative focuses on historical considerations that have contributed to a certain future.

old and new

This expression simplifies the concept to a basic contrast, suitable for general contexts.

earlier and later

Substituting "former" and "present" with "earlier" and "later" emphasizes the temporal relationship between two points in time.

one-time and current

Replacing "former" with "one-time" specifies that something was only true or relevant during a certain period.

preceding and subsequent

Using "preceding" and "subsequent" provides a more formal and academic alternative, emphasizing a sequential relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "both former and present" in a sentence?

Use "both former and present" to refer to individuals or entities that held a position or status in the past as well as currently. For example, "The study included data from both former and present students".

What phrases are similar to "both former and present"?

Alternatives include "past and present", "previous and current", or "erstwhile and current", depending on the desired tone and context.

Is "both former and present" redundant?

While it might seem redundant, "both former and present" emphasizes that you're considering both past and current states or members, making it useful for clarity and thoroughness.

When should I use "former and current" instead of "both former and present"?

"Former and current" is appropriate when you do not need to specifically emphasize that you are considering both groups. Using "both" highlights that you are including and valuing perspectives from the past and the present.