former month

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "former month" is not correct and not commonly used in written English.
It is typically intended to refer to the month prior to the current one, but the phrasing is awkward and unclear. Example: "In the former month, we experienced a significant increase in sales."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

After the sudden cuts at former May stores, customers did not congratulate the chain for simplifying their shopping; they groused about seemingly higher prices.

The New York Times

His wife, the former June Stendhal, a nurse, often helped.

The New York Times - Health

Halley, a former Dec., is running on the Lib.

The New Yorker

Professor Bedau's previous marriage, to the former Jan Mastin, ended in divorce.

The New York Times

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, the former June L.

The New York Times - Arts

He is also survived by his wife of 15 years, the former June Jenkins.

The New York Times

Mr. Lewis's wife, the former June Estelle Ryan, died last year, and a daughter, Amanda, died in 2008.

The New York Times

In addition to his wife, the former Jan Grisingher, he is survived by his son and three grandchildren.

The New York Times

William Joseph Kennedy was born on Aug. 31, 1922, in Queens, the son of William Joseph and the former May Brickfield.

The New York Times

With his wife, the former June Keener, he held workshops around the world that combined religious-themed pottery, dancing and biblical interpretation.

The New York Times

Surviving are his widow, the former June Warner; two sons, Michael and Richard, and a brother, Robert of Spokane, Wash.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "former month". Instead, use more common and grammatically correct alternatives such as "last month" or "previous month" for clarity.

Common error

Do not directly translate the concept of 'previous month' using "former". "Former" typically refers to a previous role, state, or condition, not a direct temporal period. Using it as such can cause confusion. Instead of "former month" prefer "last month".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "former month" functions as a noun phrase intended to specify a period. However, Ludwig suggests this phrasing is not correct and is typically intended to refer to the month prior to the current one, but the phrasing is awkward and unclear.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "former month" is grammatically incorrect and not commonly used. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's an awkward and unclear way to refer to the preceding month. Instead, it's best to use alternatives such as "last month" or "previous month". These options are grammatically sound and widely accepted, ensuring clear and effective communication across various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Last month

Replaces "former month" with a common and grammatically correct term.

Previous month

Offers a more formal and equally correct alternative.

The month before

Uses a descriptive approach, emphasizing the sequential relationship.

Month prior

A more concise version indicating the immediately preceding month.

The preceding month

A formal option, highlighting the sequence in time.

Earlier month

A broader term that can refer to any month before the current one, not necessarily the immediately preceding month.

Month of [specific month]

More specific when indicating a particular month (e.g., "Month of July").

That month

Refers to a specific month already mentioned in context.

In the month before this one

A verbose but clear way to express the idea.

A month ago

Emphasizes the temporal distance of one month.

FAQs

What's a better way to say "former month"?

Instead of "former month", use "last month" or "previous month". These alternatives are grammatically correct and widely understood.

Is "former month" grammatically correct?

No, "former month" is not grammatically correct. The word "former" is typically used to describe a previous role or state, not a direct period of time.

Can I use "former" to refer to time?

While "former" can indicate something that existed in the past, it's best used to describe roles, positions, or conditions (e.g., "former employee"). For time, use "previous" or "last".

Are there any contexts where "former month" might be appropriate?

While highly unconventional, you might theoretically use "former month" in a very specific, technical context where you're contrasting two months designated by a specific naming convention, but it's still preferable to use "previous month" for clarity. So, in essence, no.