we have formerly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we have formerly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that occurred in the past or to indicate a previous state or condition. Example: "In our previous meetings, we have formerly discussed the importance of teamwork in achieving our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

While there is no mode shared by two different substances, there is a similitude and relation that exists between mind and body: "This similitude and relation we have formerly affirmed to consist in action and passion" (1694, p. 325).

SEP

We have formerly seen that parts many times repeated are eminently liable to vary in number and structure; consequently it is quite probable that natural selection, during a long-continued course of modification, should have seized on a certain number of the primordially similar elements, many times repeated and have adapted them to the most diverse purposes.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

We have formerly described that sPLA2-IIA partially protects oligodendrocytes from 25-OH-triggered apoptosis.

Plosone

In profiling array analyses, we have formerly shown an increased CapG expression in breast and ovarian cancer [ 13].

BioMed Research International

We have formerly established that antidepressant drug plus CBT was more effective than placebo plus CBT at the end of the acute phase treatment [ 6].

BMC Psychiatry

We have formerly trained young auditing flutists in "White Ball" Qigong to minimize anxiety-induced cold hands and lower anxiety-induced heart rate.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

We recruited a staff of dozens to create images and text for our site that would rival the glossy shelter magazines we had formerly worked for.

The New York Times - Style

From the witness box he uttered a word that we had formerly heard only on the lips of Mr Griffith-Jones; he pointed out how Lawrence had striven to cleanse it of its furtive, contemptuous and expletive connotations, and to use it 'in the most simple, natural way: one fucks'.

The Guardian - Books

From the witness box he uttered a word that we had formerly heard only on the lips of [prosecutor] Mr Griffith-Jones; he pointed out how Lawrence had striven to cleanse it of its furtive, contemptuous and expletive connotations, and to use it 'in the most simple, natural way: one fucks'.

The Guardian - Books

"We want to revisit what we had formerly done on the smartphone form factor," said Zinio User Experience VP Matt Davis, which means that the forthcoming Windows Phone 8 version of the app will look nothing like its other mobile cousins (not that it's any sort of surprise) for the time being.

TechCrunch

We had formerly used these data for a study on publication bias [ 27].

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we have formerly" in formal writing or when referencing previous statements or actions made by a group or organization. It adds a level of formality and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "we have formerly" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound stilted or pretentious in contexts where simpler alternatives like "we previously" or "we used to" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we have formerly" functions as an introductory element to reference prior actions, discussions, or conditions. It's typically followed by a verb and provides context by indicating that something was previously done or known. This is supported by Ludwig's analysis, which identifies the phrase as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we have formerly" is a grammatically sound phrase used to reference previous actions or states, primarily in formal contexts. Ludwig confirms its correctness and provides examples spanning diverse domains like science, news, and business. While accurate, consider using simpler alternatives like "we previously" in less formal settings. When writing, remember that "we have formerly" sets a formal tone and should be reserved for professional or academic communications. While its frequency is uncommon, authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrate its appropriate usage in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we previously

Replaces "formerly" with "previously", offering a slightly more common and straightforward alternative.

we have in the past

Rephrases to emphasize the past nature of the action or state.

we once

A more concise way to indicate a past action or state, suitable for less formal contexts.

we used to

Emphasizes a past habit or state that is no longer the case.

we have earlier

Highlights that the action or information was presented at an earlier point.

we formerly did

Rearranges the phrase for a different emphasis, focusing on the action.

we had before

Indicates a prior state or action, often used to contrast with the current situation.

previously, we have

Inverts the structure to shift focus, while maintaining the same core meaning.

we have at one time

Highlights that something was true or done at a specific point in the past.

in the past, we have

Adds explicit reference to the past to emphasize the change or contrast.

FAQs

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

Use "we have formerly" to refer to actions, statements, or conditions that were true or done in the past by a group. For example, "We have formerly discussed the budget allocation for the next quarter" indicates a prior discussion on the topic.

What's a simpler way to say "we have formerly"?

Alternatives include "we previously", "we used to", or "we once", depending on the context and desired level of formality. These options are more common in everyday language.

Is it better to use "we have formerly" or "we previously"?

"We have formerly" is more formal and emphasizes a prior, official stance or action. "We previously" is less formal and can be used in a broader range of contexts. The choice depends on the tone and audience.

What is the difference between "we have formerly" and "we had formerly"?

"We have formerly" implies a present state connected to a past action or state. "We had formerly" indicates a past perfect tense, referring to something that occurred before another point in the past. For example, "We had formerly believed X, but now believe Y" indicates a change in belief over time.