formerly

/ˈfɔːməli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfɔːrmərli/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfȯr-mər-lē ˈfȯr-mə-/ (ame, mw)

formerly — 副詞

1. at a time before the present, used especially to describe a person, place, or th

1.副詞B2
釋義

以前；從前

指過去時間，用於描述已改變的身份或狀態

at a time before the present, used especially to describe a person, place, or thing that has since changed its identity, role, or state.

例句

The building was formerly a factory before it was turned into apartments.

這棟建築以前是一家工廠，後來被改建成公寓。

passive: formerly + past participle (was formerly + noun)

Eli formerly worked as a chef before he started his own catering company.

Eli 以前擔任主廚，後來才創立了自己的餐飲公司。

formerly + simple past verb (formerly worked)

同義詞
  • 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')

反義詞
  • currently

    at the present time; contrasts directly with 'formerly'

  • now

    less formal; the opposite of 'formerly' in temporal meaning

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').

常見錯誤

❌I formerly went to the supermarket.
✅I went to the supermarket earlier.
💡'formerly' implies a significant change of state, not just an earlier time in a routine.
❌He formerly ate lunch at noon.
✅He used to eat lunch at noon.
💡For past habits without a change of identity, 'used to' is more natural than 'formerly'.