the former category

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the former category" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer back to the first of two previously mentioned categories or options. Example: "In the study, participants were divided into two groups: those who received treatment and those who did not. The results were more favorable in the former category."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In the former category are leftwing, younger voters, small business owners and the urban working class.

The Guardian

And I'm determined that MI6 will be in the former category.

The Guardian

The Mets haven't displayed it enough this season to be in the former category.

The New York Times - Sports

(Ghostbusters is obviously the finest example of the former category, but that's another issue).

The Guardian - Film

In the former category, take something as simple as the petrol pump.

The Guardian - Travel

Stephen Grady, 88, falls, quite determinedly, one could even say belligerently, into the former category.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I fitted into the former category, no need to tell you where my friend's opinion lay.

The Guardian - Travel

#In the former category, he listed IT engineers, doctors, dentists and vets.

Independent

A disease in the former category is "flesh-eating strep" (invasive group A streptococcal disease).

The New York Times

Lincoln and Holmes were confident that he fit into the former category.

The New York Times

Gladwell can't really say why Dr. Freireich is in the former category and not the latter.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the former category", ensure there is a clear and immediate reference to the two categories being discussed to avoid ambiguity. If the categories are separated by several sentences, it might be better to restate them for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "the former category" if more than two categories have been introduced. This phrase is specifically for distinguishing between two options; using it otherwise will cause confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the former category" functions as a referential expression, specifically an anaphor. It points back to a previously mentioned category, enabling concise communication by avoiding repetition. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage, confirming its role in linking ideas within a text.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the former category" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to refer back to the first of two previously mentioned categories. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves as a concise anaphor, primarily used in news, scientific, and formal business writing. To maintain clarity, ensure the categories being referenced are immediately apparent. For similar expressions, you could use alternatives like "the first group" or "the former option".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the first group

Replaces "category" with "group", offering a more general term for a collection of items.

the former option

Substitutes "category" with "option", suitable when referring to choices or alternatives.

the first classification

Uses "classification" instead of "category", emphasizing a structured grouping.

the initial division

Replaces "category" with "division", appropriate when referring to segments of a whole.

the preceding type

Uses "preceding" instead of "former" and "type" instead of "category", focusing on order and kind.

the aforementioned class

Substitutes "category" with "class" and "former" with "aforementioned", adding a formal tone.

the earlier set

Replaces "former" with "earlier" and "category" with "set", indicating a temporal sequence.

the first division mentioned

Expands on the phrase to explicitly state that it is the first division that was previously talked about.

the originally specified group

Adds emphasis on the fact that the group was specified and that it was the original one.

first of the two

Directly states that it is the first of two and doesn't use the word "category" at all.

FAQs

How can I use "the former category" in a sentence?

Use "the former category" to refer back to the first of two previously mentioned categories. For example: "We discussed dogs and cats; I prefer "the former category" because of their loyalty."

What's the difference between "the former category" and "the latter category"?

"The former category" refers to the first of two items or groups mentioned, while "the latter category" refers to the second. They are used together to clearly distinguish between two options previously introduced.

What can I say instead of "the former category"?

You can use alternatives like "the first group", "the former option", or "the aforementioned class" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "the former category"?

It's appropriate when you have explicitly presented two distinct categories or options and want to refer back to the first one without restating it fully. Make sure the reference is clear and unambiguous.