former days

USAGE SUMMARY

"former days" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It typically refers to a time or era in the past, and can be used in a variety of contexts. For example, "I often think back fondly to the former days of my childhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Fertility rites usually involve some form of blood sacrifice in former days especially human sacrifice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"In former days, a pair of shoes was an expensive thing.

The New Yorker

He is still relating anecdotes about his former days, when they postpone the meeting.

The New Yorker

Gone were the modernising messages and the "sunshine" of former days.

The Guardian

It is not that the superstitions of former days are deficient in terrific interest, or even in poetical beauty.

The Guardian - Books

"But in the former days, very often we had Diana Vreeland, Babe Paley, Slim Keith, Truman Capote and Peter Glenville.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the Print Room may be found a collection of old faded photographs and tintypes of athletes of former days.

The New Yorker

Still, he wears his middle age neatly, bursting with health despite his cold and the degeneracy of former days.

The Guardian - Music

In former days, the banks would happily issue new debt to pay off the old, but now they are not so obliging.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Across the road is the 968 Park Hotel (968 Park Avenue; 877-544-0968; www.968parkhotel.com), a former Days Inn that was gut-renovated last year into an eco-friendly hotel with stylish rooms, E.P.A.-certified mattresses and a spa.

The New York Times

Doby and Robert Spivey, Orange County's code enforcement director, spelled out the problems at the former Days Inn Motel, which has been racking up code-violation fines at the rate of $3,500 a day and which now total more than $1 million.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "former days" to evoke a sense of nostalgia or contrast with the present, especially when discussing changes over time.

Common error

Avoid using "former days" in contexts that require a precise and recent timeframe; instead, opt for more specific terms like "last week" or "previous month".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "former days" functions as a temporal reference, indicating a period in the past. It's used to contrast past conditions, habits, or events with the present. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Encyclopedias

19%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "former days" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a time in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and appears across diverse contexts such as news, encyclopedias, and science. While the phrase is generally neutral, careful attention to context is needed to ensure its appropriate use, especially in avoiding overuse in contexts needing precise timeframes. Consider related phrases like "past times" or "earlier times" to convey slight variations in meaning or tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the past

A simple and direct way to indicate a time before now.

past times

Focuses on the general concept of time that has elapsed.

old times

Refers to a period that is considered old or ancient.

earlier times

A more neutral way of referring to a period before the present.

olden days

Emphasizes a more distant and often idealized past.

days of yore

Suggests a past that is long ago and often romanticized.

days gone by

Poetic and evocative, suggesting a gentle passing of time.

previous era

Highlights a specific period in the past.

bygone days

Implies that those days are gone and are no longer relevant.

good old days

Reflects a nostalgic view of the past, usually remembered fondly.

FAQs

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

You can use "former days" to refer to a period in the past, such as, "In my former days, I used to travel a lot."

What's a good alternative to "former days"?

Alternatives include "past times", "olden days", or "earlier times", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "former days" formal or informal?

While "former days" is generally acceptable, it tends to be more neutral in tone. For more formal writing, consider using "previous era" or "earlier times".

How does "former days" compare to "good old days"?

"Former days" is a neutral reference to the past, while "good old days" specifically implies a nostalgic and positive recollection of the past.