formerly there was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formerly there was" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something existed in the past but no longer does. Example: "Formerly there was a thriving marketplace in the town square, but it has since been replaced by a shopping mall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Formerly there was a prejudice towards young people; all young children were thought to be drug dealers.

The Guardian

They can be read in full in two large volumes of her collected works; formerly there was a selection by Lennox Robinson, a book as irritating as Robinson was himself reputed to be.

The Guardian - Books

Formerly there was also category IV, which was below category III.

Wikipedia

US 40 Scenic is the only scenic route in the U.S. Highway System; formerly, there was a second, US 412 Scenic in Oklahoma, but this has since been redesignated to a more conventional "Alternate" route.

Wikipedia

By 1848 the population was partly employed in coal mines in Bishop Sutton, and in the manufacture of stockings and of edge tools to a limited extent; formerly there was a considerable factory for cloth.

Wikipedia

Since I have a very old Volvo our Lady Liddy goes on the blink from time to time but we are forever grateful to Miss Dole, feeling so much safer with the Liddy in our rear window where formerly there was only a head bobbing plastic hula dancer to warn drivers against my braking for squirrels.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Formerly there were great tax breaks for investing in film productions to entice foreign and local film production.

The Guardian - Money

On the international scene, if Europe is (with a few exceptions) no longer the limitlessly fertile ground for movie art that it once was, there are wonderful filmmakers appearing in places where formerly there were few.

The New Yorker

One woman, the most freely discursive voyager in the movie, looks at the valley and takes note of the widespread development of well-built houses, where, formerly, there were none, and then reminisces: "When I think of the old days, these times seem better.

The New Yorker

The schedule is still a work in progress, but the Rising Stars program, which brings six emerging actors to the festival to network with the filmmakers and executives in attendance, includes several non-Americans this time around; formerly there were none.

The New York Times

Where formerly there were two, we now have, in effect, seven capital gains tax rates.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "formerly there was", ensure the context clearly indicates what replaced the previous entity or situation. Provide specific details to avoid ambiguity and enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "formerly there was" without specifying what currently exists or what caused the change. This can leave the reader wondering about the present state and weaken your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formerly there was" functions as an introductory phrase indicating a state or existence that held true in the past. It sets the stage for a contrast with the current situation. Ludwig confirms this is a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "formerly there was" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, used to indicate a past state or existence that is no longer true. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While its usage frequency is uncommon, it is found in a variety of contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. It's important to provide clear context when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases like "there used to be" or "in the past there was" offer similar meanings. Always ensure clarity and specify what replaced the former entity for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before, there was

Simple reordering of the words, maintaining the same meaning.

previously there existed

Replaces "formerly" with "previously" and "was" with "existed", slightly more formal.

there used to be

A more concise and common way to express past existence.

in the past there was

Uses a more common and straightforward way to express the same idea.

at one time there was

Emphasizes a specific period in the past when something existed.

there once was

Imparts a sense of history or storytelling.

it once existed

Focuses on the existence of something in the past.

earlier there had been

More formal and emphasizes a state before a certain point.

in earlier times, there was

Highlights a more distant past.

it used to be the case that there was

A more elaborate and formal way of expressing a past condition.

FAQs

How can I use "formerly there was" in a sentence?

Use "formerly there was" to indicate something existed in the past but no longer does. For example, "Formerly there was a small shop on this corner, but now there is a large bank".

What phrases are similar to "formerly there was"?

Similar phrases include "there used to be", "in the past there was", or "previously there existed".

Is it correct to say "formerly there was"?

Yes, "formerly there was" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe a past state or existence. According to Ludwig AI, it's a perfectly acceptable phrase.

What's the difference between "formerly there was" and "there used to be"?

While both phrases indicate a past condition, "formerly there was" might be perceived as slightly more formal than "there used to be". The choice depends on the desired tone and context.