former times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "former times" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to a period of time that occurred in the past. Example: "In former times, people traveled by horse and carriage instead of cars."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the 1970s, Mr. Parker owned the former Times Tower at the heart of Times Square.

The New York Times

FOX BUTTERFIELD Former Times Correspondent Hingham, Mass.

The New York Times

In former times the latter was worked for marble.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Van Natta is a Times reporter and Gerth a former Times reporter.

The New Yorker

The local museum comprises farmsteads, workshops, and merchants' houses of former times.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It's a silly, silly list," Frank Bruni, the former Times restaurant critic, said.

The New Yorker

His midfielders are workhorses, rather than the inventors of former times.

The New York Times - Sports

One feature asked former Times restaurant critics about memorable meals, restaurants, "guilty pleasures" and food trends.

The New York Times

In former times, American bison (Bison bison) migrated regularly through the Great Plains.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Their ice-fishing, dog-sledding and, in former times, igloos are synonymous with Arctic living.

The Economist

In former times it was a station on the Hejaz railway (now defunct).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "former times" to evoke a sense of nostalgia or contrast with the present. It often implies a significant change or difference between then and now.

Common error

While generally acceptable, "former times" can sound archaic in highly formal or scientific writing. Consider more neutral alternatives like "previous era" or "past period" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "former times" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate when something occurred. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and commonly used way to reference a past period. Examples show its use to contrast past practices with current ones or to generally refer to historical periods.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Encyclopedias

32%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "former times" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to refer to a period in the past, often to contrast it with the present. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, including news, encyclopedic entries, and general writing. While versatile, more formal alternatives may be suitable for highly academic or scientific content. It's important to consider the context to ensure the phrase conveys the intended meaning effectively. Remember to avoid overusing it in strictly formal papers, and consider alternatives like "bygone days" or "previous era" for greater precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bygone days

Focuses on the past as something that is gone and often missed or idealized.

olden days

Emphasizes the age and antiquity of the past.

previous era

Highlights a specific period in the past.

past epochs

Refers to distinct periods of time in the past, often with significant historical or cultural characteristics.

earlier period

Simply denotes a time before the present.

old days

A more casual and general way of referring to the past.

days of yore

Evokes a sense of nostalgia and romanticism about the past.

historical times

Focuses on the past in the context of history and historical events.

past days

Direct and simple reference to days that have passed.

once upon a time

A more narrative and storytelling way of introducing the past, often used in fictional contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "former times" to refer to a period in the past, often highlighting differences with the present. For example: "In "former times", travel was much slower and more arduous."

What's a good alternative to "former times"?

Depending on the context, you could use "bygone days", "olden days", or "previous era" as alternatives to "former times".

Is "former times" formal or informal?

"Former times" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both news and encyclopedic contexts. However, for highly formal or scientific writing, consider using more precise alternatives.

What is the difference between "former times" and "olden days"?

"Former times" is a more general and neutral way to refer to the past, while "olden days" often evokes a sense of nostalgia or a romanticized view of the past.