past adversary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "past adversary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who was previously an opponent or rival, often in a competitive or conflictual context. Example: "After years of rivalry, the two leaders decided to put their differences aside and work together, proving that even a past adversary can become an ally."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

More significantly, Mr. Spitzer was also slow to recognize that the Legislature was far less vulnerable than his past adversaries.

The New York Times

The combination can provide the range of options needed to pose a credible deterrent to adversaries whose values and calculations of risk and gain and loss may be very diferent from and more difficult to discern than those of past adversaries".

The New York Times

Time spent in the company of the likes of Morecambe & Wise, Mike Yarwood and Barry Humphries has perhaps honed an end-of-the-pier approach to the interview ritual; one of today's kiss-off lines, deployed when I mention some of his past adversaries, is "Sod 'em - or, if you prefer, Gomorrah".

The Guardian

The point is this: If your pace carries you past all adversaries without malfeasance, you're the winner.

The New York Times

Such threat of armed brinkmanship — the catchphrase in the 1990s was that Seoul would become a "sea of fire," a term recently revived by North Korea's news agencies — has in the past drawn its adversaries to the bargaining table with economic concessions.

The New York Times

He said the bombing campaign should not be compared to past wars because the adversary is neither a state nor an established army.

The Guardian

They are religious adversaries spread past borders throughout the Middle East, locked in a struggle to annihilate each other in a way that sometimes made the Civil Wars of the past look like gentlemen's disagreements.

Huffington Post

When the police bring Becky in for questioning over her actions, she encounters DC Hooch (Dominic Carter), an adversary from her past.

Wikipedia

Although Obama insisted that he did not trust Iran's mullahs, the first principle of his foreign policy was that contact -- "engagement," as he refers to it -- was better than past administrations' efforts to isolate adversary governments.

Los Angeles Times

Helping to empower the Russians to amass power and control in Europe would not appear to be in the U.S.'s best interest in view of past history with this formidable adversary.

Huffington Post

"I've faced some fairly significant adversaries in the past".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to someone as a "past adversary", ensure it's clear the adversarial relationship is over, especially if the context involves present collaboration or reconciliation.

Common error

Avoid implying a current adversarial relationship when describing someone as a "past adversary". Clearly differentiate between the former conflict and the current dynamic to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "past adversary" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a person or entity that was previously an opponent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "past adversary" is used to describe someone who was formerly an opponent, but the relationship has since changed. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English. While not inherently formal, careful consideration of context is important. Alternative phrases such as "former rival" or "previous antagonist" can provide similar meanings. The most important thing is to make sure you do not confuse this relationship with the current one.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

former rival

Replaces "adversary" with "rival", suggesting a competitive relationship that has ended.

old rival

Simple substitution of "old" for "past", emphasizing the duration of the rivalry.

previous antagonist

Uses "antagonist" instead of "adversary", implying a more actively hostile relationship.

old foe

Employs "foe" to denote an enemy from the past, which may suggest a longer-standing or more intense conflict.

bygone opponent

Replaces "past" with "bygone" and "adversary" with "opponent", emphasizing that the opposition is in the past.

ex-opponent

Shortened version using "ex-" prefix indicating a former opponent.

erstwhile competitor

Uses "erstwhile" and "competitor", indicating a formal competition that is now over.

one-time nemesis

Employs "nemesis", suggesting a powerful and persistent adversary from the past.

previous contender

Uses "contender" instead of "adversary", which indicates someone who competed for the same goal in the past.

past challenger

Substitutes "challenger" for "adversary", referring to someone who has issued a challenge in the past.

FAQs

How can I use "past adversary" in a sentence?

You can use "past adversary" to refer to someone who was formerly an opponent. For example, "Despite being a "past adversary", they now work together on common goals."

What are some alternatives to "past adversary"?

Alternatives include "former rival", "previous antagonist", or "old foe" depending on the specific context and the nature of the past conflict.

Is it appropriate to refer to someone as a "past adversary" in a formal setting?

Yes, "past adversary" can be used in formal settings. However, consider the context and the potential implications of highlighting a past conflict. Using alternatives like "former rival" might be more neutral.

What's the difference between "past adversary" and "current opponent"?

"Past adversary" refers to someone with whom you had a conflict that has ended, while "current opponent" refers to someone you are actively competing or in conflict with now. The distinction lies in the timing of the adversarial relationship.