in former days

USAGE SUMMARY

"in former days" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a time period in the past, usually indicating a past era or era of time. For example: "In former days, it was customary for guests to bring a gift to a dinner party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"In former days, a pair of shoes was an expensive thing.

The New Yorker

In former days, the banks would happily issue new debt to pay off the old, but now they are not so obliging.

The Economist

In former days it was often difficult to distinguish between one article and the next, because distinctive headings or inset titles or the use of boldface was rare.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In former days, these structures held the compound's kitchen and the living quarters for the gatekeeper, servants, and any visiting guests and relatives.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In former days, Burmese kings would watch a-nyeint pwe (pronounced ah-NYAY pway) to gauge public sentiment couched in the comedy.

The New York Times

Gray interjects, "What do you mean by the Spirit?" Turner replies, "The Spirit that spoke to the prophets in former days".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

In my former days as a biologist in the Yukon Territory, Canada, one of my colleagues came back from work one day and told me he had seen a wolverine riding on the back of a terrified deer.

BBC

"But in the former days, very often we had Diana Vreeland, Babe Paley, Slim Keith, Truman Capote and Peter Glenville.

The New York Times - Magazine

In my former days, I was a Hollywood publicist.

Huffington Post

In my former days as a police officer, I think about kids who had little food, those who were abused, those who only dreamed about clean clothes and a clean room, and those who desperately needed a home.

Huffington Post

I was so happy that people who were afraid in the former days to come to the hospital because maybe they were not having money, they think they will be charged and so on, are coming in hundreds.

Health Policy and Planning

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and context of your writing. "In former days" can add a touch of formality or nostalgia, making it suitable for historical narratives, reflective essays, or period pieces.

Common error

Avoid using "in former days" in casual or modern contexts where simpler alternatives like "previously" or "in the past" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound affected or out of touch with modern speech.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in former days" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when something occurred. It provides temporal context, specifying that the action or state took place during a past period. As Ludwig AI stated, this phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

29%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in former days" is a grammatically sound and useful adverbial phrase that helps contrast past and present conditions, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not overly common, with an uncommon frequency, it is more frequently found in News & Media sources but also Encyclopedias and Academia texts. Use "in former days" to evoke a sense of historical contrast or to highlight changes over time. The phrase adds a touch of formality or nostalgia and avoid using it in casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the past

This is a more general and widely used phrase.

in those days

This suggests a specific, though undefined, period in the past.

in earlier times

This phrase emphasizes a period further back in history.

in days gone by

This phrase has a more nostalgic or poetic tone.

in bygone eras

This alternative conveys a sense of distinct historical periods.

in olden times

This emphasizes an older or more traditional period.

formerly

This is a single-word adverb with a similar meaning.

in previous years

This alternative refers to past years specifically.

in yesteryear

This option evokes a sense of nostalgia and the past.

in ancient history

This phrase connects the time to antiquity.

FAQs

What does "in former days" mean?

The phrase "in former days" refers to a period in the past, often suggesting a time that is noticeably different from the present. It's used to describe customs, practices, or conditions that existed at an earlier time.

How can I use "in former days" in a sentence?

You can use "in former days" to contrast past and present conditions. For example: "In former days, people relied on horses for transportation, whereas now we have cars and airplanes."

What are some alternatives to "in former days"?

Some alternatives to "in former days" include "in the past", "in earlier times", or "in days gone by". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired tone.

Is "in former days" a formal expression?

Yes, "in former days" is generally considered a more formal expression. It's suitable for historical writing, academic papers, or other contexts where a slightly elevated tone is appropriate. Simpler alternatives like "previously" or "earlier" might be better suited for informal settings.