former soldier

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "former soldier" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who has previously served in the military but is no longer active. Example: "The former soldier shared his experiences during the war at the community event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Daw is not a former soldier.

The New York Times

The former soldier, Pfc.

The New York Times

Ms. Hughes said she believed he was a former soldier.

The New York Times

The Slovak news media identified him a former soldier.

The New York Times

El Gato was clearly, Don Miguel thought, a former soldier.

The New Yorker

A former soldier, he called the election a "perfect battle".

The New York Times

Being celebrated at home as a former soldier also helped.

The New York Times

"I'm a former soldier," said Mr. Slack, an Army veteran.

The New York Times

What I remember was that he was a former soldier".

The New York Times

An Algerian newspaper said his killer was a former soldier.

The New York Times

A former soldier and (yet another) Bundy ranch alumnus.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about someone who is a "former soldier", consider providing context about their service, such as branch, years of service, or specific experiences, to add depth and relevance to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "veteran" and "former soldier" interchangeably. While a "former soldier" is a veteran, the term "veteran" encompasses anyone who has served, regardless of whether they completed a full term of service or retired. If you are specifically referencing their past role as an active soldier, "former soldier" is more precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "former soldier" functions as a noun modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, describing the prior occupation or status of an individual. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It provides additional information or context about the person being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "former soldier" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe someone who previously served in the military. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely accepted and applicable in various contexts, especially in News & Media. When using this phrase, consider providing additional details about the individual's service to enhance the narrative. While interchangeable with "veteran" in some contexts, "former soldier" specifically highlights their past role as an active member of the armed forces. Remember to differentiate "former soldier" and "veteran", as the second encompasses anyone who has served in the military.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ex-soldier

Uses a shortened prefix to indicate past military service.

retired soldier

Implies the soldier completed their service and is now in retirement.

veteran

General term for anyone who has served in the armed forces.

service veteran

Another way of saying veteran

past soldier

Emphasizes the completed nature of their military service.

one-time soldier

Highlights that they were a soldier at some point in the past.

previous soldier

Indicates that their prior occupation was as a soldier.

discharged soldier

Focuses on the act of being released from military service.

one who served

General description of someone's previous job

erstwhile soldier

A more formal and less common way of saying former soldier

FAQs

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

You can use "former soldier" to describe someone who previously served in the military. For example, "The "former soldier" shared his experiences during the war." or "As a "former soldier", he understood the importance of discipline."

What are some synonyms for "former soldier"?

Some synonyms for "former soldier" include "ex-soldier", "retired soldier", and "veteran". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "former soldier" in formal writing?

Yes, "former soldier" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and respectful way to refer to someone who previously served in the military. However, ensure the context is relevant and the term is used accurately.

What's the difference between "former soldier" and "veteran"?

While both terms refer to individuals with military experience, "former soldier" specifically emphasizes their previous role as an active member of the armed forces. "Veteran" is a broader term that includes anyone who has served in the military, regardless of their length of service or discharge status.