we were formerly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were formerly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a previous state or condition that has changed over time. Example: "We were formerly known as a small startup before expanding into a large corporation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"We're not competitors as we were formerly," Mr. Meagher said.

The New York Times

We were formerly restricted to the use of initially stressed target words because we ran that experiment with pre-reading children and beginning readers.

Brain and Language

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"We are formerly of Salem State College but we've all graduated now and are working on independent research.

Vice

"We want people who were formerly involved in cannabis to stay involved in cannabis … That would help them build a future for them and their families".

The Guardian

We believe that the work being done by Sean O'Neil, who we understand was formerly known as Yaroslav Charnovsky, is directly facilitating spamming attacks against Skype and we are considering our legal remedies.

TechCrunch

Both are Democrats and were formerly allies.

The New York Times

Both Jacob and Colleen were formerly goths.

The New Yorker

Evolution may also occur in animals that were formerly hunted.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Many were formerly incarcerated.

Vice

(These candies were formerly M&M's).

Huffington Post

Esyt genes were formerly named Fam62.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were formerly" to clearly indicate a change in status, affiliation, or identity over time. This phrase is especially useful in formal writing where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid substituting "formally" for "formerly". "Formally" refers to something done in accordance with rules or customs, while "formerly" indicates a previous state or condition. Incorrect: "We were formally partners" (should be 'formerly').

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were formerly" functions as an introductory clause element, establishing a prior state or condition before transitioning to a current one. Ludwig AI confirms its role in indicating a past identity or situation. It sets a temporal context, allowing for a comparison or contrast with the present.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

17%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were formerly" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a past state, condition, or identity. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and utility. It is most frequently found in news, science, and encyclopedic writing. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a change over time and consider the formality of your context. Avoid confusing "formerly" with "formally", as they have distinct meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we used to be

Emphasizes a habitual or continuous state in the past that is no longer true.

we once were

Highlights a specific point in the past, often with a nostalgic connotation.

we previously were

Formally indicates a prior state or condition.

we have been

Indicates a state or condition that existed for a period up to a certain point.

we had been

Expresses a past state that preceded another past event or condition.

we were earlier

Implies a state or condition that occurred at an earlier time.

we formerly existed as

Highlights the past existence of something under a different identity.

our previous incarnation was

Focuses on a past form or version of something.

we at one time were

Emphasizes a past state that is clearly different from the present.

we in the past were

Directly references a state that belonged to a time long ago.

FAQs

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

Use "we were formerly" to describe a past state or condition that has changed. For example, "We were formerly a small startup, but now we are a large corporation."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "we were formerly"?

Alternatives include "we used to be", "we once were", or "we previously were", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "we were formerly" or "we used to be"?

"We were formerly" is more formal and precise, suitable for professional contexts. "We used to be" is more casual and appropriate for informal settings.

What's the difference between "we were formerly" and "we are currently"?

"We were formerly" refers to a past state, while "we are currently" describes the present state. They are contrasting phrases used to highlight a change over time.