former glory

USAGE SUMMARY

'former glory' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to something's former greatness or splendor that has been lost or diminished. For example, "The once-beautiful castle had lost its former glory and now lay in ruins."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Meanwhile, he's working on restoring former glory.

The New York Times

Many high streets are unlikely to regain their former glory.

The Economist

I want to restore it to its former glory.

Independent

Britain might never recover its former glory, David Cameron admitted.

The Economist

Since that time it has never regained its former glory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The memories of former glory linger in other buildings.

The New York Times

But El Calvario never regained its former glory.

The Guardian

Fendi, 75, is struggling to restore Spoleto to its former glory.

The New York Times

Whoever owns it, the Playboy empire is unlikely ever to regain its former glory or influence.

The New York Times - Magazine

Thereafter it never regained its former glory and dwindled to the status of a village.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr Hurd restored HP to its former glory as the world's biggest maker of personal computers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a decline, use "former glory" to evoke a sense of nostalgia or loss for a past state of excellence.

Common error

Avoid using "former glory" when referring to something that has simply changed, not necessarily declined. It's best suited for situations where there's a clear sense of loss or degradation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "former glory" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It refers to a state of past excellence or magnificence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "former glory" is a widely recognized and accepted term used to describe a past state of excellence that has since diminished. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and finds frequent use across various reputable sources, including news outlets, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While versatile, it's most effective when conveying a sense of loss or nostalgia, distinguishing it from neutral descriptions of the past. When using this phrase, be mindful of its implications and ensure it aligns with the intended tone and context. Alternatives such as "past splendor" or "bygone grandeur" can offer nuanced variations, enriching your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

past splendor

Focuses on the visual magnificence that once existed.

previous eminence

Highlights the high rank or position held in the past.

bygone grandeur

Emphasizes the impressive and magnificent nature of the past state.

lost prestige

Underscores the decline in reputation or respect.

vanished triumph

Focuses on the success that has disappeared.

historical importance

Highlights the significance the entity held in the past.

earlier renown

Stresses the widespread fame or recognition that existed before.

old supremacy

Highlights the state of being superior in the past.

once-great status

Implies that something no longer holds the high position it once had.

golden age

Refers to a past period of prosperity and achievement.

FAQs

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

You can use "former glory" to describe something that was once magnificent or successful but has declined. For example, "The city is trying to recapture its "former glory" by investing in new infrastructure".

What are some alternatives to "former glory"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "past splendor", "previous eminence", or "bygone grandeur" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "former glory" in a formal context?

Yes, "former glory" is appropriate in formal contexts, particularly when discussing history, architecture, or societal changes. Its usage is widespread in "news & media" and encyclopedic entries.

What's the difference between "former glory" and "golden age"?

"Former glory" often implies a subsequent decline, whereas "golden age" simply refers to a past period of great prosperity or achievement, without necessarily implying a decline afterward.