during the former

USAGE SUMMARY

"during the former" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is often used to refer to a previous or earlier time or state. Example: During the former administration, the economy saw significant growth and stability.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No concentric-strip-like waviness was detected on machined surface during the former cutting path.

International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture

The performance was shown during the former Beatle's first appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman.

Independent

Libya promised Saadi a fair trial, which is expected to focus on corruption during the former dictatorship.

The Guardian

In 1993 he planned the assassination of George H. W. Bush during the former president's visit to Kuwait.

The New York Times

The revelations come from a Defence Signals Directorate (DSD) slide presentation dated November 2009, during the former Labor administration.

The Guardian

The people who were working in the public media during the former government were nominated by the former authorities.

The Washington Post

— Ryan Lizza, 10 A.M. John Cassidy and Ryan Lizza live-blogged during the former F.B.I. director James Comey's testimony on Thursday before the Senate Intelligence Committee.

The New Yorker

Stephanopoulos, a key Bill Clinton staffer during the former president's first term, will lead the network's politics coverage, ABC also announced.

The Guardian

John Cassidy and Ryan Lizza live-blogged during the former F.B.I. director James Comey's testimony on Thursday before the Senate Intelligence Committee.

The New Yorker

"More than a million Iraqis are missing as a result of events that occurred during the former regime," he said in fluent English.

The New York Times

Sarit's first task was to uproot the corruption that had flourished during the former regime, particularly in the national police force.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "during the former", ensure a clear contrast with "the latter" is established within the context to avoid ambiguity. Make sure the reader can easily identify what each refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "during the former" without explicitly mentioning or clearly implying what "the latter" refers to. This omission can confuse readers and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during the former" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating the timing of an event or state in relation to a previously mentioned item. It establishes a temporal context, specifying when something occurred in the first of two identified instances. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "during the former" is a grammatically correct and widely used prepositional phrase for referring to the first of two previously mentioned items or time periods. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. To ensure clarity, always establish a clear contrast with a corresponding "latter" reference. While effective in formal writing, simpler alternatives might be preferred in casual settings. When writing with "during the former", remember that it functions to specify the timing of the event in the first of two instances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in that earlier period

Highlights a specific earlier period already mentioned.

in the preceding period

Emphasizes a specific, earlier timeframe.

in the earlier phase

Focuses on a prior stage within a process or development.

in the previous era

Highlights a past epoch or distinct time period.

in the initial stage

Highlights the beginning of a process.

at the beginning

Refers to the very start of something, often a process or event.

in the past

A more general reference to a time before the present.

in the first instance

Highlights what happened initially.

in the prior time

Similar to "in the past" but slightly more specific.

previously

A concise adverb indicating a prior occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "during the former" in a sentence?

Use "during the former" to refer back to the first of two items, events, or periods you have already mentioned. For example: "We discussed A and B; "during the former", we observed X, while during the latter, we noted Y."

What's the difference between "during the former" and "during the latter"?

"During the former" refers to the first of two things that have been mentioned, while "during the latter" refers to the second. They are used together to contrast events or states occurring in each.

What are some alternatives to using "during the former"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "in the preceding period", "in the previous era", or "in the earlier phase".

Is "during the former" formal or informal?

"During the former" leans towards a more formal register and is suitable for academic writing, reports, or official communications. More casual contexts might benefit from simpler alternatives.