former judge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "former judge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who previously held the position of a judge but is no longer serving in that capacity. Example: "The former judge spoke at the conference about the importance of judicial independence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Maybe a former judge who happens to know Pashto and seeks foreign adventure?

The Washington Post

Former Judge!

Cornell University

A former judge?

The New Yorker

It is chaired by Lloyd Ellis, a former judge.

The Economist

Former judge Roy Moore (R) is unfit to serve.

The Washington Post

Another former judge, Cheryl Cole, will also return.

The Guardian

Dare the former judge find against the Queen?

The Guardian

Its chairman is the former judge, Sir Alan Moses.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

DIVORCES FORMER JUDGE.; Mrs. Arthur Marsden Gets Decree -- Nina Wilcox Putnam Case Recalled.

The New York Times

Archives|DIVORCES FORMER JUDGE.; Mrs. Arthur Marsden Gets Decree -- Nina Wilcox Putnam Case Recalled.

The New York Times

In honor of the former judge, the state courts adjourned for the day.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a "former judge", always provide context regarding their previous jurisdiction or notable cases they presided over. This adds clarity and authority to your statement.

Common error

Avoid referring to a sitting judge as a "former judge". Double-check their current status to ensure accuracy and prevent misinformation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "former judge" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a descriptor or identifier for an individual who previously held the position of a judge. Ludwig confirms that this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

17%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "former judge" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to an individual who previously served as a judge. Ludwig confirms its validity, highlighting its frequent use in contexts such as News & Media and Academia. When using the phrase, consider providing additional context about the judge's previous role or notable cases. While alternatives like "retired judge" or "ex-judge" exist, "former judge" maintains a neutral tone suitable for most situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

retired judge

Focuses on the retirement aspect, implying the judge willingly left the position.

ex-judge

A shorter, more informal synonym.

past judge

Emphasizes that the person held the position in the past.

one-time judge

Highlights that the person was a judge at some point.

previous judge

Simply indicates that the person was a judge before.

former member of the judiciary

A more formal and descriptive alternative.

once a judge

Highlights a past role.

former justice

Specifies the position as a justice, implying a higher court.

retired member of the bench

Uses more formal legal terminology.

preceding judge

Used mainly in the context of historical records.

FAQs

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

You can use "former judge" to describe someone who previously held a judicial position, for example: "The "former judge" spoke at the law school about ethics in the courtroom."

What is a synonym for "former judge"?

Synonyms include "retired judge", "ex-judge", or "past judge" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to refer to a deceased judge as a "former judge"?

Yes, it is appropriate. "Former judge" indicates a past position, regardless of the person's current status. You could also use phrases like "the late judge".

What is the difference between a "former judge" and a "judge emeritus"?

A "former judge" simply means someone who used to be a judge. A "judge emeritus" is a retired judge who may still perform certain judicial duties on a limited basis. Not all "former judges" are judges emeritus.