formerly
/ˈfɔːməli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfɔːrmərli/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfȯr-mər-lē ˈfȯr-mə-/ (ame, mw)
formerly — adverb
1. at a time before the present, used especially to describe a person, place, or th
at a time before the present, used especially to describe a person, place, or thing that has since changed its identity, role, or state.
The building was formerly a factory before it was turned into apartments.
passive: formerly + past participle (was formerly + noun)
Eli formerly worked as a chef before he started his own catering company.
formerly + simple past verb (formerly worked)
This neighbourhood was formerly a fishing village, but now it is a busy tourist area.
Gabriela formerly lived in São Paulo, but she moved to Tokyo after graduation.
The country was formerly known as Rhodesia before it changed its name to Zimbabwe.
Dr. Okafor, formerly of the University of Lagos, now leads a research team in Nairobi.
- previously
more common and less formal; can refer to any earlier event, not only a change of state
- once
more narrative and less formal; often used in storytelling ('once a teacher, always a teacher')
- earlier
refers to a point in time before now; does not necessarily imply a permanent change
- erstwhile
much more formal and literary; used attributively ('erstwhile allies')
文法句型
formerly + past participle (was formerly known / were formerly called)
formerly + simple past verb (formerly lived / formerly worked)
formerly of [place, institution, or group]
用法筆記
Unlike 'previously', which can refer to any earlier point in time (e.g. 'I previously mentioned this'), 'formerly' usually signals that the subject has permanently changed its identity, role, or state. It is common with the verb 'to be' (be + formerly + noun/adjective). Can be placed before a past participle ('formerly known as'), before the main verb ('formerly worked'), or before a noun phrase ('the formerly quiet village').