formerly
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
at an earlier time, especially when something has changed now.
at a previous time or in a past state; used to contrast a former situation with the current one.
Simple“This building was formerly a cinema before it became a modern apartment block.”
In context“The region, formerly a hub for heavy industry, has successfully transitioned into a centre for technological innovation and green energy.”
UsageUsually placed before the adjective or noun it modifies, or after the verb 'to be'.
PitfallHe is formerly a teacher. He was formerly a teacher.Because 'formerly' refers to the past, the main verb should usually be in a past tense unless you are identifying a current person by their past title.
“Alina Habba was formerly President Trump's personal lawyer.”
“About 17,000 Japanese formerly lived on the islands, which today are occupied by about 20,000 Russian citizens.”
From former + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.