formerly obtainable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formerly obtainable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that was available or accessible in the past but is no longer so. Example: "The rare book was formerly obtainable at the local bookstore, but it has since been sold out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

What Foulston really responds to is the invention, from the end of the 17th century, of shops as dedicated premises offering social situations in which women could buy non-necessities formerly obtainable only to order from their crafters or at the great annual fairs that brought together enough surplus commodities to froth over into trivia.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Surely, a blanket was obtainable.

The New York Times

Coarse salt and saltpetre are easily obtainable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Start with botanical items that are easily obtainable.

The New York Times

And in the converted house much larger rooms are obtainable.

The Guardian

But the glory of Dale Earnhardt felt somehow obtainable.

The New York Times - Magazine

Our personal information is not only obtainable through hacks.

University of California, Berkeley

Chemical and biological arms are cheaper and easier to build, if the raw materials are obtainable.

The New York Times - Science

Other server and router hardware is obtainable.

Forbes

You must believe that it is obtainable.

Huffington Post

The experts think ending veteran homelessness, however, is obtainable.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formerly obtainable" to clearly indicate that something was accessible or available in the past but is not so now. This is useful for describing changes in product availability, historical access, or altered conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "formerly obtainable" when the item or service is still available. The phrase implies a change in status from accessible to inaccessible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formerly obtainable" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the state of something regarding its past availability, indicating that it was possible to acquire or access it at some prior time, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formerly obtainable" is used to describe something that was available or accessible in the past but is no longer so. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct. While relatively rare, its meaning is clear and its usage is consistent, mostly appearing in news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. Related phrases include "previously available" and "once obtainable". Remember to use it only when something's status has truly changed from accessible to inaccessible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previously accessible

Focuses on the ability to access something at an earlier time.

formerly accessible

A direct synonym, emphasizing a state of accessibility in the past.

once available

Highlights the past existence of something for use or purchase.

previously available

Similar to "once available", but can also refer to services or opportunities.

in the past obtainable

Emphasizes that the ability to obtain something was limited to a past period.

at one time procurable

A more formal way to express that something could be acquired in the past.

used to be accessible

Highlights that something used to be easy to access or use.

was once on sale

Specifically refers to items that were sold in the past but are not anymore.

formerly on offer

Indicates that a service or product used to be available or promoted.

historically obtainable

Places emphasis on the historical context of something being obtainable.

FAQs

How can I use "formerly obtainable" in a sentence?

You can use "formerly obtainable" to describe items or services that were available in the past but are no longer so. For example: "The rare edition was "formerly obtainable" from specialty bookstores, but is now only available through private collectors."

What can I say instead of "formerly obtainable"?

Alternatives include "previously available", "once obtainable", or "no longer available" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "obtainable formerly" instead of "formerly obtainable"?

While grammatically understandable, "obtainable formerly" is less common and may sound awkward. "Formerly obtainable" is the more standard and natural phrasing.

What is the difference between "formerly obtainable" and "currently obtainable"?

"Formerly obtainable" indicates that something was available in the past but isn't now, while "currently obtainable" suggests it is available now. They represent opposite states of availability.