former state

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "former state" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a previous condition, status, or situation that has changed. Example: "The country is still recovering from the turmoil of its former state before the revolution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Bharatpur, former state of India.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I wasn't a former state judge.

The New York Times

A former state Supreme Court justice.

The New York Times - Magazine

Tonko is a former state assemblyman.

The New York Times

Amid the chaos, many former state functionaries turned into entrepreneurs.

The New York Times - Magazine

Wynn himself is a former state Party chairman.

The New Yorker

As a former state insurance commissioner, she knows the subject.

The Economist

Kennedy, a former state legislator, died in 2005.

The Guardian

The Democratic challenger is a former state senator.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The former state-owned monopoly was partially privatised in 1985.

The Economist

Both companies are former state-owned phone monopolies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "former state", ensure the context clearly indicates what entity or condition is being referred to. For example, "former state senator" is clearer than just "former state."

Common error

Avoid using "former state" without specifying what held that state. Be specific, for example, use "former state governor" or "former state of health" to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "former state" typically functions as an adjective modifying a noun. It indicates a previous condition, role, or entity that is no longer current. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in diverse contexts such as referring to positions (former state senator) or conditions (restored to its former state).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "former state" is a versatile term used to describe a previous condition, role, or entity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using "former state", it is crucial to provide clear context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "previous state" or "original condition" can be used depending on the specific meaning you intend to convey. This phrase is frequently employed to highlight a change or transition, offering valuable background information and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previous state

Focuses on the condition or situation that existed before.

past state

Emphasizes that the state belongs to the past.

original state

Highlights the initial condition before changes occurred.

prior state

Indicates a state that existed before the current one.

erstwhile state

Uses a more formal or archaic term for 'former'.

old state

Simply denotes a state that is no longer current.

defunct state

Refers to a state that no longer exists or functions.

bygone state

Implies a state that is long past and possibly idealized.

preceding state

Highlights the order of states, with the preceding one coming before.

earlier state

Indicates a state that existed at an earlier time.

FAQs

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

You can use "former state" to refer to a previous condition, status, or geopolitical entity. For example: "The building was restored to its "original state"" or "He is a "former state senator"".

What can I say instead of "former state"?

You can use alternatives like "previous state", "past state", or "original condition" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "former state" or "previous state"?

Both "former state" and "previous state" are correct. "Former" implies a more significant change or separation from the past state, while "previous" is a more general term.

What's the difference between "former state" and "original state"?

"Former state" refers to any state that preceded the current one, while ""original state"" specifically refers to the initial or starting condition.