formerly retired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formerly retired" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who was previously retired but has since returned to work or taken on new responsibilities. Example: "After a brief hiatus, John is now formerly retired and has accepted a position as a consultant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

On Monday Lifetime's original movie "Dawn Anna," with the formerly retired Debra Winger, below, playing a mother whose daughter died in the Columbine killings, brought in an audience of 4.4 million.

The New York Times

The announcement Monday that the WPP Group's lobbying subsidiary BKSH was merging with its sister firm Timmons and Company was notable mostly for shining a spotlight on Charlie Black, right, the formerly retired Republican strategist who will be chairman of the merged firm, the Prime Policy Group.

The New York Times

During week 10, formerly retired All-Pro quarterback Daunte Culpepper was signed to a one-year contract with the Lions in hopes to spur the offense and earned the starting job for the next two games.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

After the death of Lebey in 1922, the formerly retiring Valéry became a prominent public personage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Logan, who is retired, formerly owned a printing plant.

The New York Times

Of Fallsburg and formerly of NYC, retired professor died July 11 , 2005

The New York Times

KARDON--Robert (Bob), of Manhattan, formerly of Philadelphia, retired CEO of Kardon Industries, Inc., died in New York on March 23, 2007 of heart failure at the age of 85. Son of the late Morris and Sophie (Winkleman) and brother of the late Eugene and Lester Kardon.

The New York Times

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy, Juventus), Iker Casillas (Spain, Real Madrid), Manuel Neuer (Germany, Bayern Munich), Victor Valdes (Spain, Barcelona), Edwin van der Sar Hollandd, retired, formerly Manchester United).

BBC

Iranian Americans who formerly worked and retired in Iran report that they are now unable to receive their pensions here in the U.S. due to banking restrictions.

Huffington Post

Mr. Reddy was retired; he had been an officer in the Commercial Factoring Division of Wells Fargo Bank, formerly United Merchants and Manufacturers.

The New York Times

Her father, now retired, was formerly a broker with Dykes & Harris Real Estate in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "formerly retired", ensure it's clear what the person is now doing, as the phrase implies a return to some form of activity or profession.

Common error

Avoid using "formerly retired" when the person's return to work is temporary or short-lived. The phrase suggests a more lasting change in status.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formerly retired" functions as a descriptive adjective modifying a noun (e.g., "formerly retired CEO"). As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies a state of having previously been in retirement, but no longer being so. This contrasts with simply "retired", indicating a current state.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formerly retired" accurately describes someone who once retired but has since returned to activity. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is grammatically sound. While less common than alternatives like "previously retired", it appears in diverse sources. Use it to precisely communicate a change in status. Remember to follow the best practice and error avoidance tips to ensure you are using it properly. In essence, "formerly retired" is a useful tool for providing context and clarifying someone's current standing after a period of retirement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Previously retired

Simple substitution of "formerly" with "previously" to maintain a similar meaning.

Once retired

Focuses on the state of having retired at some point in the past.

No longer retired

States the current non-retired status.

Now unretired

Directly states the reversal of retirement.

Out of retirement

Similar to "back from retirement" but more concise.

Back from retirement

Emphasizes the return to activity after retirement.

Returned from retirement

A more formal way of saying "back from retirement".

Re-engaged after retirement

Highlights the act of becoming involved again after a period of retirement.

Resumed duties after retirement

Implies a return to previous responsibilities.

Recalled from retirement

Suggests an official request or need for the person to return.

FAQs

How to use "formerly retired" in a sentence?

Use "formerly retired" to describe someone who had previously stopped working but has since resumed some form of professional activity. For instance, "The "formerly retired" CEO has returned as a consultant".

What's a good alternative to "formerly retired"?

Depending on the context, you could use "previously retired", "once retired", or "back from retirement".

Is it correct to say "currently formerly retired"?

No, "currently formerly retired" is redundant and grammatically incorrect. The "formerly" indicates a past state, making "currently" unnecessary and contradictory. Use ""formerly retired"" to indicate the person was retired but isn't anymore.

What's the nuance between "retired" and "formerly retired"?

"Retired" describes someone who has permanently left their profession. "Formerly retired" indicates they had retired but have since returned to work or activity. The key difference is the resumption of duties after a period of retirement.