formerly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formerly" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something was the case in the past but is no longer true or applicable. Example: "The building was formerly a school before it was converted into apartments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The White House is attempting to cultivate new ties with Egypt's new Islamist rulers following the removal of the Hosni Mubarak, the hardline president who was formerly backed by Washington, last year.

The Guardian

The private liberal arts college formerly was known as Randolph-Macon Women's College.

The Guardian

Grattard was formerly one of the very few long-standing chefs in the confined but open-minded kitchen at L'Astrance, headed by hyperactive Pascal Barbot.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Baileys prize, which took place on Wednesday evening, and was formerly the Orange prize is, of course, not open to men.

The Guardian - Opinion

Formerly known as Friends of the Italian Opera – after the codename for the mafia in Some Like It Hot – the theatre regularly stages classics by the likes of Samuel Beckett, Harold Pinter, Tennessee Williams and Alan Bennett, as well as inviting young writers to try out their works.

The Guardian

The only age group whose vote increased for Obama from 2008 to 2012 was 30-39 year-olds, as those who had formerly been 25-29 years old moved into 30-39 year-old age cohort.

The Guardian - Opinion

Analysts suspect that one of his chief goals is the expansion of Russian influence in other formerly Soviet republics under the guise of an economic union.

The Guardian

Uluru, formerly known as Ayers Rock, is a sacred site for the area's Indigenous Australians.

The Guardian

The town in which Salim, "a man without a side", sets up shop, formerly Arab, then colonial, becomes a microcosm of a society moving towards independence: a place of chaotic and violent change; tribal warfare, ignorance, poverty and human degradation.

The Guardian - Books

The prospect of the laws being overturned has prompted defence lawyers to seek to delay trials involving defendants who may have already spent months in solitary confinement under harsh prison conditions formerly reserved for accused bikie associates.

The Guardian

Palin is unpopular in the state she formerly led.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When precision is key, use "formerly" instead of more general terms like "previously" to highlight a specific past role or identity.

Common error

Avoid using "formerly" when you mean "formally". "Formerly" refers to a past state, while "formally" refers to something done in accordance with rules or conventions.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "formerly" modifies verbs or adjectives, indicating that something was true or existed at some time in the past. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage aligns with standard English grammar and is widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formerly" is a versatile adverb used to indicate a past state or condition that is no longer true. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. It's common in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific writing, highlighting its applicability in professional and informative communications. When using "formerly", it's essential to differentiate it from "formally" and to select the most contextually appropriate synonym, such as "previously" or "at one time". The authoritative sources analyzed confirm its prevalent and appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previously

Indicates something happened at an earlier time; a direct synonym.

in the past

A general way of referring to a time before the present.

at one time

Highlights that something was true at a specific point in the past, but not now.

once

Similar to "at one time", but can also imply a sense of nostalgia or longing.

erstwhile

A more formal and somewhat archaic synonym for "formerly".

before

Indicates something happened or existed earlier than something else.

used to be

Emphasizes a change in state or condition.

earlier

A more general term indicating a time before the present.

heretofore

A very formal and somewhat archaic term meaning "up to this time".

hitherto

Similar to "heretofore", indicating a time before the present.

FAQs

How do I use "formerly" in a sentence?

Use "formerly" to indicate a past state or condition that is no longer true. For example, "The country was "formerly a colony" but is now independent".

What can I say instead of "formerly"?

You can use alternatives like "previously", "at one time", or "once" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "formerly" and "formally"?

"Formerly" indicates a past state or condition, while "formally" refers to something done in accordance with rules or customs. For example, "He was "formerly the CEO"" versus "The contract was "formally approved"".

When is it appropriate to use "erstwhile" instead of "formerly"?

"Erstwhile" is a more formal and somewhat archaic synonym for "formerly". It can be used in situations where a more elevated or literary tone is desired, but it may sound out of place in everyday conversation.