former foes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "former foes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe individuals or groups that were previously enemies but are no longer in conflict. Example: "After years of rivalry, the two leaders finally came together as former foes to discuss peace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 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

Buffalo meat has powerful symbolic value: a gesture of solidarity and friendship from longtime former foes.

The Guardian

The power-sharing agreement between former foes has always been tense.

The New York Times

By turning to the Socialists, Mr. Kostunica has allied himself with his former foes.

The New York Times

Their desire to catch up by doing business with America and other former foes has helped dispel any lingering rancour.

The Economist

Much as Israeli politicians are now partnering with former foes, Israeli chefs, too, are finding inspiration in the Middle East.

The New York Times

Major's comments are likely to enrage some of his former foes, such as Redwood, who are still in parliament.

The Guardian

As the first post apartheid president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela reached out to former foes across the dinner table.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "former foes" when you want to emphasize a past adversarial relationship that no longer exists. It's particularly useful when highlighting a reconciliation or alliance.

Common error

Avoid using "former foes" to describe current alliances without explicitly stating that they were previously enemies. Otherwise, the "former" might be misconstrued as applying to the entire relationship.

Linguistic Context

Former foes acts as a noun phrase, typically functioning as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes a group of entities that were previously in opposition. Ludwig AI's examples show it's often used in political and historical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "former foes" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe entities that were previously enemies. Ludwig AI indicates that its primary function is to highlight a shift in relationship, particularly towards reconciliation or alliance, within news and media contexts. While generally neutral to formal, "former foes" is used to convey information about evolving relationships between entities, with various alternatives available to alter the level of formality or specific connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previous adversaries

Replaces "foes" with a more formal term, emphasizing opposition.

erstwhile enemies

Uses more archaic language, indicating a past adversarial relationship.

past antagonists

Focuses on the active opposition the individuals presented.

one-time rivals

Highlights the competitive aspect of the former relationship.

longtime adversaries

Emphasizes the duration of the conflict.

bygone combatants

Uses more dramatic language, indicating a history of fighting.

onetime opponents

Similar to "one-time rivals" but applicable in any field.

previous combatants

Highlights the state of the past conflict.

old adversaries

Implies a long-standing history of conflict.

ex-enemies

A shorter, more casual way to express the same idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "former foes" to describe people or groups who were once enemies but are now on good terms. For example, "The leaders of the two countries, once "bitter enemies", met as "former foes" to discuss peace."

What's a more formal alternative to "former foes"?

If you're looking for a more formal alternative, consider using "previous adversaries" or "erstwhile enemies". These options convey a similar meaning but with a more elevated tone.

Is it appropriate to use "former foes" in academic writing?

Yes, "former foes" can be appropriate in academic writing, especially when analyzing historical conflicts or political alliances. However, ensure that the context is clear and the term is used accurately to reflect the past adversarial relationship.

How does "former foes" differ from "former allies"?

"Former foes" describes individuals or groups that were previously enemies, while "former allies" describes those who were once allies. The key difference lies in the nature of their past relationship: one was adversarial, and the other was cooperative.