they were formerly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were formerly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something or someone had a different status or condition in the past. Example: "They were formerly known as the 'Wildcats' before rebranding to 'Eagles'."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

They were formerly divided into patrilineal clans and tribes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While they were formerly made of glass, plastic films are now extensively used.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They were formerly known as Concerned Local Citizens here, but were recently rebranded Sons of Iraq.

The New York Times

They were formerly gang members, but they're now giving back to the community.

The Guardian - Opinion

The family bears a superficial resemblance but a distant relationship to the water lilies (family Nymphaeaceae), where they were formerly included.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tóibín also has form in the Costas – or Whitbreads as they were formerly known – with a shortlisting in 1990 for his first novel, The South.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

They are formerly reliable Labour-voting males in the urban post-industrial belt of Scotland.

The Guardian

To highlight the country's achievements in reintegrating girls into the school system, Queen Rania and Lalla Salma visited a UNICEF supported primary school where they met girls who were formerly working in carpet weaving workshops.

Unicef

Claiming they migrated from Java, the Ngada were formerly hunters.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They can debate publicly subjects that were formerly taboo.

The Economist

Many were formerly incarcerated.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were formerly", ensure you provide context about their current state or identity to highlight the change. For example: "They were formerly gang members, but they're now giving back to the community."

Common error

Avoid using "they were formerly" without specifying what they are now. Without a contrasting current state, the statement lacks clarity and impact. Always provide the 'after' to the 'before'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were formerly" functions as a descriptor indicating a past condition or status. It is used to provide background information by contrasting a prior state with a current one. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

22%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were formerly" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to denote a past state or identity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's used across various contexts, especially in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing, highlighting transformations and providing context. When using "they were formerly", ensure that the current state is also mentioned to emphasize the change. While alternatives like "they used to be" exist, "they were formerly" maintains a slightly more formal tone. Common errors include omitting the current state, thus rendering the phrase less effective. By understanding its proper usage, writers can effectively convey changes and provide richer context to their narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were previously

This alternative directly replaces 'formerly' with a synonym.

they used to be

This alternative is more informal and conversational.

they had been

This alternative is slightly more formal and emphasizes a completed action in the past.

they once were

This alternative is more literary and emphasizes a time long ago.

in the past they were

This alternative places emphasis on the past time.

they have since become

This alternative emphasizes the transition and current state.

they are now

This alternative highlights the contrast between the past and present states.

they had at one time been

This alternative is more emphatic and highlights a single point in time.

they at one point were

This alternative is less formal than "they had at one time been".

they are not now

This alternative focuses on the current difference from the past.

FAQs

How can I use "they were formerly" in a sentence?

Use "they were formerly" to indicate a past state or identity that has changed. For example, "They were formerly rivals, but now they are allies."

What can I say instead of "they were formerly"?

You can use alternatives like "they used to be", "they were previously", or "they had been" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "they were formerly" or "they are formerly"?

"They were formerly" is correct for indicating a past state. "They are formerly" is grammatically incorrect as it implies a present state that was previously something else, which doesn't make logical sense.

What's the difference between "they were formerly" and "they are now"?

"They were formerly" emphasizes the past state, while "they are now" emphasizes the current state. Using both together highlights the change: "They were formerly enemies; they are now friends".