ex-housemate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ex-housemate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who used to be a housemate but is no longer living with you. Example: "After moving out, I still keep in touch with my ex-housemate, Sarah."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

She's a musical comedian, with a suite of songs written on commission – from Westminster Education Board, she says, or Disney – or telling of her obsession with her ex-housemate Caroline.

The Guardian

It all usually starts at around 1AM. You've reached that point, a few dabs or bombs in, when it's suddenly a great idea to text your ex-housemate.

Vice

Ford was jailed for two years, which would have been his lot had he not poured freshly-boiled water over his ex-housemate while he was out on bail in a "row over an open window".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Davina in mourning garb, full New Orleans death-pomp, mega-montages, tearful ex-housemates and "end of an era" weeping.

Independent

But when it came to the nearer term — basically, any time after Dec. 20, when MTV will broadcast the final episode of "Jersey Shore" — she expressed an uncertainty shared by her soon-to-be ex-housemates.

The New York Times - Arts

So, it's off to Brighton to meet Preston, sometime lead singer of the here-today-gone-tomorrow indie band the Ordinary Boys, erstwhile Celebrity Big Brother housemate, ex-husband of Chantelle Houghton, the fluffiest, blondest non-celebrity celebrity of recent times.

The Guardian - Music

Just like many ex-Big Brother housemates do, eventually.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But for the 29th season, producers decided to shake things up by having the housemates' exes show up to live with them, as well.

Huffington Post

Could my ex-boyfriends and housemates be dragged into the witness box, call me crazy, and secure me a not-guilty verdict?

Vice

Could my ex-boyfriends and housemates and be dragged into the witness box, call me crazy, and secure me a not-guilty verdict?

Vice

See also: don't date your housemate's exes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about someone who used to live with you, "ex-housemate" is a clear and concise way to refer to them. Ensure the context makes it clear that they no longer live with you.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "ex-housemate" with terms like "housemate's ex", which refers to someone who dated your housemate, or just "housemate", which implies they currently live with you.

Linguistic Context

Ex-housemate functions as a noun phrase, specifically as a compound noun, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound. It clearly designates someone who formerly shared a residence with the speaker or writer.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ex-housemate" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to a former cohabitant. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While the phrase is relatively rare, its meaning is clear and consistent. It is mostly found in news and media contexts. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "former roommate" or "previous housemate" to convey the same meaning with slight variations in formality or regional preference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

former roommate

Replaces "housemate" with "roommate", which is a common synonym, especially in American English.

previous housemate

Substitutes "ex" with "previous", emphasizing the temporal aspect of no longer living together.

old housemate

Uses "old" to indicate a past relationship as housemates.

past housemate

Similar to "previous housemate", but with a slightly different nuance.

one-time housemate

Emphasizes that they were housemates at a specific time in the past.

prior housemate

A more formal way of saying "previous housemate".

ex-flatmate

Uses the British English term "flatmate" instead of "housemate".

former co-tenant

A more formal and legalistic way to describe someone who used to share a living space.

once-housemate

This phrase uses "once" instead of "ex" to convey the meaning that he/she used to be housemate.

ex-lodger

Uses the term "lodger" instead of "housemate", which implies a more formal or temporary living arrangement.

FAQs

What's the difference between "ex-housemate" and "former housemate"?

Both "ex-housemate" and "former housemate" refer to someone who used to live with you. "Former" is slightly more formal, while "ex-" is more casual.

Is "ex-housemate" the same as "ex-roommate"?

Yes, "ex-housemate" and "ex-roommate" are generally interchangeable. "Roommate" is more common in American English, while "housemate" is frequently used in British English.

How do I use "ex-housemate" in a sentence?

You can use "ex-housemate" to describe someone you used to share a living space with. For example, "I ran into my ex-housemate at the grocery store."

What are some alternatives to saying "ex-housemate"?

Besides "former housemate", you could also use "previous housemate" or "old housemate", depending on the context and desired level of formality.