Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
former literature
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "former literature" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to literature that was produced in the past or literature that is no longer current or relevant. Example: "In my research, I found that former literature on the subject often overlooked key developments in the field."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(6)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
39 human-written examples
Camille's mother teaches English in Paris; her father is a former literature professor who has moved into teacher training.
News & Media
Liu Xiaobo, a 53-year-old former literature professor, was charged with "inciting subversion of state power", an offence that carries a potential prison term of 15 years.
News & Media
In former literature, uniformly distributed porosity fields were considered which are not in accord with the real distribution of porosities in rocks.
David Morrell, author of the action novel "Burnt Sienna" (Warner Books), described himself as a former literature professor who had training in "hostage negotiation, executive protection, antiterrorist driving".
News & Media
All of the above comes from "Dominance" by Will Lavender, a former literature professor whose first book, "Obedience," also had a bondage-inspired title.
News & Media
Moreover, the comparison with former literature showed that the models from this study were more robust and the dependence with chemical matrix of gasoline and ethanol quality was reduced.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
21 human-written examples
Many approaches were presented in former literatures, e.g. by applying adaptive filters and/or repetitive controllers.
Science
To validate the analytical model in present study, numerical calculations using brick elements were performed on unit cell models with periodic boundary conditions, and comparisons of the present model with analytical formulae and experimental results available in former literatures were also conducted.
After exposure to severe conditions (3.5 wt.% NaCl solution) for 7 days, the longest whisker for 96.8(solderAg–0.5Cu)–0.2In–3Zn solder was about 300 μm, the average grown rate was evaluated to about 5 Å/s which is higher than the reported result in the former literatures.
Science
By using the fixed point theorem, the existence of solutions of nonlinear Sturm-Liouville problems in Banach spaces is investigated under more general conditions than those used in former literatures.
The estimation error ε(T)(α;n)δ(τ−n T b ) was usually ignored in former literatures just as noises, while it has interesting uses in some special cases, such as in the DSSS systems, because it has non-zero values only when τ=n T b.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When referencing "former literature", be specific about its relevance to your current work. Clearly articulate how it informs or contrasts with your analysis.
Common error
Avoid vague statements like "former literature suggests..." Instead, cite specific authors and works to add credibility to your claims.
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "former literature" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a body of written works that are from the past, as seen in Ludwig's examples.
Frequent in
Science
50%
News & Media
47%
Academia
3%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "former literature" is a noun phrase used to refer to writings from the past, often in academic or scientific contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. When using this phrase, it's important to be specific about the works you are referencing. Common alternatives include "previous studies" and "past research". While it is generally acceptable to use, ensure clarity and precision by citing specific sources rather than making vague generalizations.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
previous studies
Focuses on earlier research, often used in academic contexts.
past research
Emphasizes that the research occurred in the past.
earlier works
Refers to pieces of writing produced at an earlier time.
prior publications
Highlights the fact that these are published materials from the past.
historical documents
Implies that the literature is of historical significance.
old writings
Simple and direct way to indicate literature from the past.
legacy texts
Suggests literature that has been passed down or left behind.
outdated sources
Highlights the fact that the literature is no longer current.
archival materials
Specifies that the literature is stored in archives.
bygone publications
Evokes a sense of literature from a distant past.
FAQs
How can I use the phrase "former literature" in a sentence?
You might say, "A review of the "former literature" reveals a gap in current research on this topic." or "The study builds upon findings from "former literature" in the field of quantum physics".
What are some alternatives to using "former literature"?
You could use alternatives like "previous studies", "past research", or "earlier works", depending on the context.
Is it appropriate to use "former literature" in academic writing?
Yes, "former literature" is appropriate for academic writing when referring to literature that is no longer current or directly relevant, but still provides valuable context or background information. However, be sure to cite specific sources.
What is the difference between "former literature" and "current literature"?
"Former literature" refers to literature that was published in the past and may no longer be considered up-to-date, while "current literature" refers to the most recent and relevant publications on a particular topic.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested