we formerly maintained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we formerly maintained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was previously held, supported, or upheld but is no longer the case. Example: "In our last report, we formerly maintained that the project would be completed by the end of the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Russia formerly maintained tight Soviet-style secrecy around its gold reserves.

The New York Times

It will also take over a long-term local marketing agreement formerly maintained by Dick Broadcasting for another station in Knoxville, Tenn.

The New York Times

This is a sample that we have maintained the quality of the submissions as an essential requirement to get published in this new era of BioMed Research International (formerly Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology).

BioMed Research International

We have maintained the dividend.

The Guardian - Business

"But we've maintained our original mission.

The New York Times - Arts

We've maintained a nice steady business".

BBC

We always maintained the flava.

Wikipedia

"Everything that we formerly electrified, we will now cognitize".

The Guardian - Tech

We maintained focus easily.

The New York Times

But we maintained believability".

The Guardian - Tech

And we maintained that crowd".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we formerly maintained", ensure the context clearly indicates the shift from the past to the present. Specify any updated procedures to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Don't just state "we formerly maintained"; clarify why you no longer do. Readers need to understand the reason for the shift to grasp the full context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we formerly maintained" functions as a statement indicating a past practice or belief held by a group (denoted by "we"). The adverb "formerly" specifies that this practice is no longer current. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we formerly maintained" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that indicates a past practice or belief that is no longer current. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, its infrequency suggests that alternative phrasings like "we previously maintained" or "we used to maintain" might be more common. When using the phrase, it is important to clarify the reasons for the change to avoid ambiguity. The phrase is suitable for neutral to professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we previously maintained

Replaces 'formerly' with 'previously', offering a slightly more common synonym.

we used to maintain

Emphasizes the past habit or state using 'used to'.

we once maintained

Highlights that the maintenance occurred at some point in the past.

we had maintained in the past

Adds emphasis on the past nature of the maintenance.

we formerly believed

Substitutes 'maintained' with 'believed' to focus on past convictions.

we previously asserted

Uses 'asserted' to indicate a past declaration or statement.

we once held

Replaces 'maintained' with 'held', suggesting a past viewpoint or position.

we had earlier maintained

Emphasizes that the maintenance occurred at an earlier time.

our earlier stance was

Shifts the focus to 'stance', indicating a former position or attitude.

that was our previous position

Clearly states that a specific position was held in the past, but no longer is.

FAQs

How can I use "we formerly maintained" in a sentence?

Use "we formerly maintained" to indicate a past practice, belief, or standard that is no longer current. For example, "We formerly maintained that project X would be completed by Q4, but due to unforeseen circumstances, that is no longer possible".

What's a simpler alternative to "we formerly maintained"?

You can use alternatives like "we previously maintained" or "we used to maintain" for simpler phrasing.

Is it always necessary to use "formerly" when indicating a past practice?

No, but "formerly" adds a specific emphasis on the past nature of the practice and its discontinuation. You can use other alternatives, but "formerly" helps ensure the reader understands it's no longer the case.

What is the difference between "we formerly maintained" and "we traditionally maintained"?

"We traditionally maintained" indicates a long-standing practice, while "we formerly maintained" simply indicates a practice that was maintained in the past but is not anymore. The key difference is the implication of a long-term custom in the former.