was formerly utilized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was formerly utilized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was used in the past but is no longer in use. Example: "The old factory was formerly utilized for textile production before it was repurposed into a community center."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The appropriation or conversion of land that was formerly utilized by pastoral strategies can be discussed in relation to neoliberal conquests, inscribing environments and shifting social scapes.

Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

" Aromatic oil derived from the sassafras root bark was formerly much utilized in flavoring confections, soft drinks, and pharmaceutical products.

WikiHow

He was formerly an offshore oil engineer.

Independent

Lead mining was formerly of economic importance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was formerly canalized upstream to Stamford.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She was formerly of Roslyn, NY.

The New York Times

Slavery was formerly an accepted institution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The territory was formerly known as Ubangi-Shari.

The New Yorker

Hyde Park was formerly a royal hunting preserve.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Flogging was formerly executed with great brutality.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was formerly included in feudal Moldavia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was formerly utilized", ensure the context clearly indicates what replaced the past usage. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was formerly utilized" in informal contexts. Simpler alternatives like "used to be" or "was previously used" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was formerly utilized" functions as a descriptive element indicating that something had a specific purpose or use in the past that is no longer the case. This usage aligns with Ludwig's assessment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was formerly utilized" serves to denote a past usage or function that no longer applies. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though its frequency is relatively rare. Given its presence in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, its register tends toward formal. Consider simpler alternatives like "was previously used" in less formal settings. To use this expression effectively, ensure the subsequent context clarifies what superseded the prior use. The insights are extracted from analysis of various source types.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was previously used

Replaces "formerly utilized" with a more common and straightforward phrasing.

was once used

Emphasizes that something was used at some point in the past.

used to be

Indicates a past state or condition that is no longer true.

had been employed

More formal and emphasizes the active use of something in the past.

was earlier employed

Highlights a prior use or application.

was formerly in service

Specifically implies a past function or duty.

was at one time utilized

Adds emphasis to the past nature of the usage.

was in former use

Focuses on the previous state of being in use.

was historically used

Highlights the historical aspect of the usage.

was once in operation

Suggests past functionality or activity.

FAQs

What does "was formerly utilized" mean?

It means something was used in the past but is not currently in use.

How can I use "was formerly utilized" in a sentence?

Example: "The building "was formerly utilized" as a factory before being converted into apartments."

What are some alternatives to "was formerly utilized"?

You can use alternatives such as "was previously used", "used to be", or "was once used".

Is "was formerly utilized" formal or informal?

It is generally considered a formal phrase. In more casual contexts, simpler alternatives might be more suitable.