the former part

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the former part" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer back to a previously mentioned section or element in a discussion or text. Example: "In the former part of the report, we discussed the methodology used for the study."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

The former part plays a role in determining the fundamental characteristics of the system against model uncertainties.

Automatica

While one can count on Apple not messing up the former part, the latter is trickier.

The Guardian - Tech

My brother Walter in the former part of this letter has written a large journal which I intend to sum up in a small ledger.

The New Yorker

For the former part, this paper mainly concerned the mechanochemistry and physical changes of the steel slag and studied it by performing XRD, SEM, TG and mercury porosimeter analysis and testing method.

Journal of Hazardous Materials

** *** ** My brother Walter in the former part of this letter has written a large journal which I intend to sum up in a small ledger.

The New Yorker

The former part of the Fed's mission has largely been met, with prices more or less where they were a year ago, and inflation expected to glide under 1percentthis yearar.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

The former part-time soldier, who would have been regarded by the Provisional IRA as a "legitimate target" during the Troubles, insists he is pleased at the way the DUP has thrown its weight behind his campaign.

The Guardian

So when Ms. Slevin, 54, gathered the gumption to approach Mr. Brown about adapting the show earlier this year, the odds of the former part-time drama teacher at Ramapo and Indian Hills High Schools getting his blessings seemed long.

The New York Times

So it was somewhat surprising that the former part-time soldier and retired schoolteacher has found himself at the centre of a fresh homophobic storm, the like of which was the stock in trade of his rivals in the Democratic Unionist party in the past.

The Guardian

6.40pm BST Some USSR suggestions... kat (@rusalkat) @busfield counting only the former parts of the USSR, medal total is 46.

The Guardian - Sport

Delphi, based in Troy, Mich., is the former parts division of General Motors, which spun it off in 1999.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the former part", ensure that "the latter part" is also explicitly mentioned or implied to maintain balance and coherence in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "the former part" when more than two items are being compared. If there are three or more elements, consider rephrasing to specify which element you are referencing more precisely, as this phrase is typically reserved for contrasting only two items.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the former part" functions as a determiner phrase and a noun phrase, typically used to reference the first of two items, sections, or ideas that have been previously mentioned. This allows for clear distinction and comparison, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the former part" is a commonly used phrase to refer back to the first of two items or sections previously mentioned in a text or discussion. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and suitable for use across various contexts, including science, news and media, and formal business communications. While the phrase is clear, it should be used carefully to avoid ambiguity, particularly when comparing more than two items. Alternatives like "the preceding section" or "the earlier segment" can be used depending on the specific context. Proper usage enhances clarity and coherence in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the preceding section

Focuses on the sequential aspect, specifically what came directly before.

the earlier segment

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of what came before, particularly in a series or process.

the initial component

Highlights that it's the starting piece or part of a whole.

the first division

Focuses on the initial section when something has been divided.

the previous element

Highlights the position in a sequence of elements.

the aforesaid portion

A more formal way to refer back to something already mentioned.

the foregoing section

Similar to 'preceding', but slightly more formal and literary.

the above-mentioned segment

Directly refers to a segment discussed earlier, ensuring clarity.

the prior piece

Emphasizes that it's something that existed or occurred before.

the original fragment

Refers to a starting piece, especially when something has been broken or divided.

FAQs

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

Use "the former part" to refer to the first of two items or sections previously mentioned. For example: "The proposal has two parts: analysis and implementation. In the former part, we detailed the current market conditions."

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

"The former part" refers to the first of two things mentioned, while "the latter part" refers to the second. They are used together to compare or contrast two distinct elements within the same context.

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

You can use alternatives like "the preceding section", "the earlier segment", or "the initial component" depending on the context.

Is it necessary to mention "the latter part" after using "the former part"?

While not strictly necessary, mentioning or implying "the latter part" after using "the former part" helps maintain clarity and balance, ensuring the reader understands you are contrasting two specific items. If the contrast is clear from context, it may be omitted.