what was formerly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what was formerly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that existed or was true in the past but is no longer the case. Example: "The building, what was formerly a bustling factory, now stands abandoned and silent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

In club terms what was formerly fuzzy and scuzzy is now megaritzy and glitzy.

Independent

The garden occupies 3/4 acre in what was formerly the Museum's back yard.

The New Yorker

Another bedroom is on the third floor in what was formerly the attic.

The New York Times

What was formerly the entry hall and office has become the living room.

The New York Times

What was formerly called the Breeders' Cup Championship is now the Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships.

The New York Times - Sports

What was formerly free cannot always be assumed to be free.

The Guardian

The place is Gilead, located in what was formerly New England.

The New Yorker

What was formerly one large dining room is now three more intimate rooms.

The New York Times

The Hosts Elaine and Martyn Booth have turned what was formerly a family home into a superior B&B.

Independent

The majority of the tenants will be moved to what was formerly a car park, surrounded by busy roads.

The Guardian - Opinion

And the Buckley collection of cookbooks is so large, it occupies multiple shelves in what was formerly the children's room.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what was formerly" to clearly indicate a change from a previous state or condition. This phrase is especially useful when describing transformations or historical context.

Common error

Avoid using "what was formerly" when referring to something that is still partly in its original state. Instead, use it to describe complete transformations or discontinued roles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what was formerly" functions as a relative clause introducing a description of something's prior state. It often precedes a noun or noun phrase, modifying it by specifying a previous condition. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase’s correctness and frequent use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what was formerly" serves to provide context by indicating a contrast between a past state and a present one. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and quite common, appearing frequently in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure that you are describing a complete transformation or discontinued state rather than a partial change. Related phrases include "what previously was", "what once had been", and "what it used to be".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what previously was

Replaces 'formerly' with 'previously', emphasizing an earlier state.

what once had been

Uses 'once had been' for a more evocative sense of past existence.

what it used to be

Employs a more colloquial phrasing with 'used to be'.

what had been earlier

Replaces 'formerly' with 'earlier', focusing on a prior time.

what it was before

Simple phrasing indicating a past state.

what in the past was

Reorders the phrase for a slight shift in emphasis.

what has been historically

Highlights the historical aspect of the past state.

what was at an earlier time

Expands on 'formerly' to specify an earlier point in time.

what once stood as

Focuses on the prior existence or position of something.

what has been traditionally

Emphasizes a change from a traditional or customary state.

FAQs

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

Use "what was formerly" to describe something that has changed its state, function, or name. For instance, "The building, "what was formerly" a factory, is now a museum."

What are some alternatives to using "what was formerly"?

Alternatives include "what used to be", "what once was", or "what had been". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is there a difference between "what was formerly" and "what was previously"?

While similar, "what was formerly" often implies a more significant change or transformation than "what was previously". "Formerly" suggests a complete shift, whereas "previously" can simply mean 'before'.

Can "what was formerly" be used to describe future events?

No, "what was formerly" is used to describe past states or conditions. To refer to future changes, use phrases like 'what will become' or 'what will be in the future'.