former foe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "former foe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who was previously an enemy or adversary but is no longer in conflict with the speaker. Example: "After years of rivalry, they became allies, proving that even a former foe can become a trusted friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Brock isn't the only former foe to have embraced her.

The New Yorker

But it seems delighted that America, its former foe, thwarted the plot rather than encouraged it.

The Economist

Why wouldn't Iran inflate itself at the expense of its former foe and current enemy?

The New York Times

A former foe who knows Thomas well is Darcy Tucker, recently traded to Toronto from Tampa.

The New York Times - Sports

Waltrip knew well before the official announcement of Earnhardt's death that his friend, a former foe, was in grave condition.

The New York Times - Sports

WHY, the computer world is asking, did Microsoft announce on August 6th that it will invest $150m in struggling Apple Computer, its former foe?

The Economist

Laurent Fabius, his foreign minister and a former foe, called his performance at the G8 and NATO meetings in America "faultless".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Former foes agreed on that.

The New York Times

Our ratings rise,Our former foes among the editorsApplaud.

The Economist

But with each turn of the carousel, former foes would become friends again.

The Economist

Like our former foes, it seems mysterious, powerful, uncontrollable and abstract enough to absorb criticism.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a "former foe", ensure the context clearly indicates the nature of the previous conflict and the current relationship. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "former foe" when the relationship is still adversarial. This phrase indicates a change, so ensure the narrative supports that shift.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "former foe" functions as a compound noun, where "former" modifies "foe". It identifies a person or entity that previously held an adversarial position. Ludwig's examples show its use in political, sports, and business contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "former foe" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe someone who was previously an enemy or opponent. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to provide context about evolving relationships and shifts in alliances. When using "former foe", ensure the narrative supports the change in relationship, and consider alternatives such as "previous adversary" or "erstwhile opponent" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previous adversary

Replaces "former" with "previous" and "foe" with a more formal synonym, "adversary".

past antagonist

Uses "past" instead of "former" and "antagonist" to denote someone who actively opposed or competed.

erstwhile opponent

"Erstwhile" is a more formal synonym for "former", and "opponent" is a common substitute for "foe".

one-time rival

Replaces "former" with "one-time" and "foe" with "rival", suggesting a competitive relationship.

previous combatant

Uses "previous" instead of "former" and "combatant" suggesting a more intense or warlike opposition.

old adversary

Uses "old" as an alternative to "former" indicating a past adversarial relationship.

bygone enemy

"Bygone" emphasizes that the enemy relationship is a thing of the past.

past competitor

Uses "past" as synonym of "former", emphasizing the past relationship of competitor.

once-hostile party

Replaces "foe" with a more diplomatic term indicating past hostility.

long-ago antagonist

Emphasizes how long ago the adversarial relationship existed.

FAQs

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

You can use "former foe" to describe someone who was previously an enemy or adversary, but is now an ally or neutral party. For example, "After years of conflict, the two nations became allies, proving that even a "former foe" can become a trusted partner."

What are some alternatives to "former foe"?

Alternatives include "previous adversary", "past antagonist", or "erstwhile opponent". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "former foe" in formal writing?

Yes, "former foe" is appropriate in formal writing, especially in news reporting or historical accounts. However, alternatives like "previous adversary" may be preferred for a more elevated tone.

What's the difference between "former foe" and "current rival"?

"Former foe" describes someone who was previously an enemy but is no longer in conflict, whereas "current rival" indicates someone who is presently competing or opposing you. The key difference is the timing of the adversarial relationship; "former" implies it has ended, while "current" means it is ongoing.