formerly used

USAGE SUMMARY

"formerly used" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it as an adjective to describe something that was used in the past. For example: "The building, formerly used as a school, is now a community center."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Halon, chemical compound formerly used in firefighting.

Britannica

Leucite was formerly used in Italy for fertilizer.

Britannica

The bark was formerly used as a preventive against scurvy.

Britannica

Lancewood was formerly used by carriage builders for shafts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Forty-one species were significantly associated with recent woodland formerly used as grassland in comparison to woodlands formerly used as arable field.

Forest Ecology and Management

Ryan discussed moving into an office formerly used by Boehner, who smokes cigarettes.

The Guardian

Political strategy sessions filled Internet bulletin boards formerly used to share the best fishing holes.

The New York Times

The new spectrum uses frequencies in the 700-megahertz band, formerly used by UHF television stations.

The New York Times - Tech

The "bxn" marking was formerly used at a Czech factory during the cold war.

The New York Times

For example, formerly used defense sites responsibility is placed with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Cleanup of Chemical and Explosive Munitions Locating, Identifying Contaminants, and Planning for Environmental Remediation of Land and Sea Military Ranges and Ordnance Dumpsites

Toxemia of pregnancy, term formerly used to describe hypertensive conditions that can be induced by pregnancy.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing locations or items, be specific about what they are now used for to highlight the change from their "formerly used" state.

Common error

Ensure clarity when using "formerly used" by specifying a timeframe or providing context about when the item or concept was in use, especially if it could still be confused with current practices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formerly used" functions as a pre-modifying adjective. It is used to describe a noun, indicating that the noun was used for a specific purpose in the past but is no longer used for that purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

22%

News & Media

21%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formerly used" is a grammatically correct phrase that functions as a pre-modifying adjective, indicating a past usage that has since changed. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a useful phrase for describing objects, locations, or concepts that have transitioned from a previous purpose. Its frequency is very common, especially in encyclopedic and news contexts. While it maintains a neutral register, it's crucial to provide context to avoid ambiguity. By understanding its function, purpose, and context, you can effectively incorporate "formerly used" into your writing. Consider alternatives like "previously utilized" or "historically employed" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previously utilized

Emphasis on the act of utilizing something before, suggesting a more formal or technical tone.

historically employed

Highlights the historical aspect of the usage, implying a longer period in the past.

in the past used

Simple rephrasing emphasizing the past, suitable for informal contexts.

at one time used

Indicates a specific period in the past when something was used.

once in service

Implies a function or duty that was previously performed.

erstwhile usage

More formal and literary alternative, referring to a former instance of usage.

formerly in operation

Specifically refers to something that used to be functioning or running.

ago utilized

Emphasizes a duration since something was last utilized, useful for indicating the passage of time.

used to be employed

Suggests a habitual action in the past that is no longer current.

in former times utilized

Refers to usage in an earlier period, giving it a somewhat historical connotation.

FAQs

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

You can use "formerly used" to describe something that was used in the past but is not currently in use. For example: "The building, "formerly used" as a school, is now a community center."

What's a more formal alternative to "formerly used"?

Alternatives like "previously utilized" or "historically employed" can provide a more formal tone.

Which is correct, "formerly used" or "formally used"?

"Formerly used" is correct when referring to something that was used in the past. "Formally used" implies that something was used in a formal or official manner, not necessarily in the past.

How does the context affect the choice between "formerly used" and other alternatives?

The context determines the best alternative. If you want to emphasize the historical aspect, "historically employed" might be suitable. For a more technical context, "previously utilized" may be better.